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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel

Creator: Adams, Juliet Amelia
Date: 1869

Creator: Adams, Juliet Amelia
Date: September 16, 1869
Text: Vassar College, Sept. 14,/69. Dear Minnie I will not describe my Journey here, any more than to any, that alter a very pleasant ride, we reached Poughkeepsie about eight o'clock in the evening* and found the hotels crowded with appli- cants for Vassar College, and their friends. At a little after eight o'clock, the next morning we drove over to the College, I being in great appre- hension of the examination. But it was not nearly so difficult as I expected. In Grammar, they asked...
Show moreVassar College, Sept. 14,/69. Dear Minnie I will not describe my Journey here, any more than to any, that alter a very pleasant ride, we reached Poughkeepsie about eight o'clock in the evening* and found the hotels crowded with appli- cants for Vassar College, and their friends. At a little after eight o'clock, the next morning we drove over to the College, I being in great appre- hension of the examination. But it was not nearly so difficult as I expected. In Grammar, they asked what were the principal parts of Grammar, and their meanings, what a sentence was, and its principal parts, and all about the different classes of pronouns. In Geography, the asked the Political divisions of North America, and of Asia, the principal mountains and rivers, and the two largest cities, in the world, what mountains, seas, isthmuses, and straits, separate different countries, the capitals of some of the United and of some of the European States, and a few otter similar questions, In History, they asked you to tell about the settlements of the early colonies, by whom, and what their objects were, in so doing, and a few otter very easy questions. In Arithmetic, they give you two examples in fractions, involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and the reduction of complex fractions. You have nothing to fear, if you come on here, next term, which I hope you will, as Papa and Mama said they would do all they could to persuade your father to let you come. When Papa and Mama bade me good bye. I cried very hard, tad I ten been dreadfully homesick, ever since. My room-mate's name is Lizzie Good; she ls an old scholar, is from Ohio, and about my age. I hardly know how how to describe my feel- ings towards her, as sometimes I like her, and other times I do not. There are a great many girts here, but I know but very few of them, as yets none of them are from Philada., as ffcr as I can ascertain. I have passed all my examinations, now, and I am classed in the 1st preparatory class, of which there are three, and I do not know whether the 1st is the highest or lowest of the three. I will not know my enact class, until all the examination cards have been examined by the Faculty. We are allowed to have only three studies and one art, such as music, singing, drawing, painting, etc. Mine will be Latin, French, Mask, and Algebra or Rhetoric. There were nearly forty girls rejected, at the preliminary examination, and among them, the Snyders. I was very sorry, both for them and myself. They said they would not go back to Philada., and their parents took them to Boston to try and enter them in a school there. We had chapel service, last evening* for the first time, when Professor Raymond delivered a very kind welcome address to the new students. We are to have a lecture to-night, and another to-morrow night. The library here is splendid, and, contrary to my expectations, contains a great many novels. When the College really begins, we have to rise at dc« and retire between nine and ten o'clock. The table Is better then I expected, as the bread and batter are elegant, and every thing else is nice except the coffee. We have not much variety, but we have ice-cream twice a week. I hope you will answer this letter very soon, as yon can imagine how anxious I am to hear from home. As I have not yet unpacked my trunk, and as I wish to write a letter to Annie, X must bring this long letter to a close. Give my love to all at home, and to all inquiring friends. Encase my writing with a pencil, as 1 have no ink. Hoping to have a long letter from you, very soon, I remain your loving Cousin Amelia. Juliet Amelia Adams, prep.'69-70
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Creator: Adams, Ruth
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Date: 1865

Creator: Anderson, Irene
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel

Creator: Anderson, Irene
Date: 10 Oct 1866
Text: Vassar Female College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. October 10th 1866. My Sweet Brother, Not-withstanding I wrote to you a long [le]tter on the Sabbath but having received a letter from Willie yesterday in which was enclosed a letter of yours dated the 24th of Sept. received another from you yesterday after-noon enclosed in Uncle E’s and a third this morning which had written since the reception of my first letter on my arrival at “Vassar College.” since then I have written three letters now. I would...
Show moreVassar Female College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. October 10th 1866. My Sweet Brother, Not-withstanding I wrote to you a long [le]tter on the Sabbath but having received a letter from Willie yesterday in which was enclosed a letter of yours dated the 24th of Sept. received another from you yesterday after-noon enclosed in Uncle E’s and a third this morning which had written since the reception of my first letter on my arrival at “Vassar College.” since then I have written three letters now. I would not write this evening, as I selected the Sabbath as the day on which I shall always write to you, for on that day I have more leisure, feel more disposed to write, every thing being so calm and quiet, my thoughts on that day are always with you, at least when I am unemployed. we go to chapel three times during that day, then have bible lessons in the morning, and we are so [occupied?] a greater portion of the day. In your letter of the 30th of Sept. you told me you wished me to keep a journal. I had just [gone?] [up?] to the office the day before, purchased a blank book for that identical purpose. Did not have [obscured by object] write any in it until the day I rece[ieve]d your letter. I will write daily in it. I find it will be very pleasant to note down the daily occurrences, for often things of considerable interest take place. For instance walks that are taken with Professor Tennyson’s Geology [..] for the purpose of [Geologysing?], such as we took on Monday evening last. they are exceedingly interesting and pleasant. he told us in class that morning if we desiredhe would take us out, and show us the different kinds of rocks show us of what they were confused. said he would not compel us to go, but only those who wished to do so. every member of the class besides a great many others went. about 60 or 70 accompanied him. he took his hammer with him, would split assunder the rocks, show us the different kind of plants, and [write?] his illustrations and various [copies?] our walk was made quite interesting instructive and pleasant. we returned home just in time [obscured by object] [...], and enjoyed it very much [obscured by object]. had been out for two or three hours had walked two miles, if not more. In your letter of yesterday you told me to give you an observation of the way in which things were conducted. I will endeavor to do so but fear I can not make it prove interesting to you. at your request I will attempt it however. We rise at 6 O’Clock, have our hour to make our toilet in, and prepare for breakfast. at the end of that hour, the breakfast bell sounds. we go to the dinning hall, without a moment hesitation, in which placed there is usually a half hour [cind...ed?], we being allowed to get up when we complete our meal. we are not permitted that privilege, only at breakfast Dinner and [tea?]. we all get up at the ringing of Miss Lyman’s bell, the Lady Principle. Then we retire to our rooms make our beds, the [minutes?] are allowed for that purpose. then I [obscured by object] [minutes?] are given for “Silent hour.” I will explain this to you, as doubtless you do not know, anything about it. we are to devote those twenty minutes to reading our bible, or prayers if we choose. after that duty is performed it is 8 O Clock. then we go to the chapel, hear morning prayers, which almost one hour is spent in that way, and [down?], [of?] have ten minutes before the 1st bell rings for the firstperiod. the day is divided in periods of 60 minutes-cla[..], the 1st one commencing at 10 minutes pass nine O’Clock, closing at 10. the 2and beginning at 10 minutes pass 10, closing at 11. the 3rd 11=10, ending at 12. 4th at 10 minutes pass 12 O Clock, closing at 1- then comes dinner at 1 O Clock precisely. we are in the dinning hall until 2, and we have to wait till the whole assembly of girls has finished their meals. at 2=15 the 1st period after dinner commences, and so on until four O’Clock. then we have recreation until 5. then at six P. M. then retire to the Chapel, one hour spent there. Study hours from 8 to 9. P.M., then 20 minutes “silent hour,” then the remainder of the evening can be spent as we please, visiting the rooms of our friends, reading writing or spend it in Fancy work until 15 minutes to 10 then the “morning bell” rings, and at 10 O Clock precisely, the gas has to be extinguished all through the college. I am occupied with my recitations during four periods of the day. the 3rd in the forenoon, the 1st, 2nd after noon, and the last at night which is devoted to Music, when the [...] arrive I too will be employed and [..] period of the day as I intend to have two hours for practicing. I shall try to improve in my music this year. we are only allowed to take three studies, beside music and gymnastics. they have a riding stables here, and a great many of the girls take lessons. Probably I will take in the spring. I shall devote [...] attention to my Gymnastic excercise, and you deserve it. Brother Norton, do you intend going home Christmas, if so you must by all means come to see me! I will be in NY by then as Uncle E has promised Mollie and I we should spend the Christmas holiday with him in NY. why, as he did not take us there when we [..] come as we expected to and [M?] and [I?] will bedown to see us this [month?]. my brother, promise me you will come if you go home. Brother Norton, I have a request to make of you. [..] I want a [...] with [lace?]. will you not send me the money to get it, [that?] is if you had it and can give it to me. mine is old fashioned. I want a new style one. please do so. I have written you a very long letter this time, [...] it is [...][...] interesting to [...]. and also [hope?] you will write me a long one in response. Write soon and frequently, see how often I write. Goodby my dear, dear Brother. Lovingly your Sister, Irene
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Creator: Arnzen, Laura Earl
Date: 1865

Creator: Arnzen, Laura Earl
Date: Nov. 14, 1865
Text: Vassar. Nov. 14, 1865. My Dearest Friends, You cant think how perfectly delighted I was upon reading the decision which your letter contained and I lost no time in handing your letter to the President. He read it and asked me if they were nice girls. You perhaps can imagine what I told him. And he said there was no doubt of your competency and as there were several vacancies you might consider yourselves accepted. All required was an examination in the ordinary English branches. Arithmetic...
Show moreVassar. Nov. 14, 1865. My Dearest Friends, You cant think how perfectly delighted I was upon reading the decision which your letter contained and I lost no time in handing your letter to the President. He read it and asked me if they were nice girls. You perhaps can imagine what I told him. And he said there was no doubt of your competency and as there were several vacancies you might consider yourselves accepted. All required was an examination in the ordinary English branches. Arithmetic Grammar & Geography. And you would be classified according to your examinations. You need feel no fear if the examination you have to pass through is like the one I had. Some examples in Compound fc Complex one in percentage and one in interest was all in Arithmetic. The examination in Grammar was nothing only what is Grammar Into what four topics or branches is it divided fc definitions of V each. Number of parts of speech fc definitions Exercises in correcting sentences fc but very little parsing, that was all. Then the Examination in Geography consisted of the primary definition, upon all the map questions. The only thing I judge you will require any study upon is looking over frac- tions and the map questions. Then you send in the list of studies you desire to pursue - and you are assigned to your classes. Some of the girls were assigned to classes or rather studies they did not wish to take and in such cases the President has without any exceptlans and many such cases have come to my knowledge changed it when they had good reasons to offer. And Nov. 14, 1865 -2 now all you will have to do is to come back with me Christmas. Oh won't it be splendid. I am so delighted I can hardly keep hold of my pen- Of course it won't be so gay as you were accustomed to at Providence but I think one can get along nicer with their studies. I never got along so fast before - and it so pleasant here and all the girls are so nice. And I mean to speak with Miss Lyman before I go home about putting us in a parlor together. I presume you will want a double room and I'll speak to her about it if you would like for me to do so. And I'll get her to give me a single room opening into the same parlor. Wont It be grand. And as for my staying four years* I don't intend to stay but one although I know my father is anxious for me to do so but I'll talk him out of that notion at Christmas. I must close now or the letter won't go to-day. Write me real soon and tell me all the news. Your loving old friend Laura- iLaura Earl Arnaen* spec. '65-66,P.S. I feared your decision to stay until June only would go against you but he F resident Raymond said as there were two of you he would make an exception to the general rule of admitting pupils only for a year. To Abigail L. and Caroline Slade, both spec* '65-66.
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Creator: Arnzen, Laura Earl
Date: Oct. 22, 1865
Text: Vassar Oct. 22nd 1865. My Dear Carrie and Abbie, I received your long-expected and welcome letter only yesterday and hasten to answer it hoping you will not be long in writing next time for I think you ought to be good to pay me for my writing to you so often last winter - so be good in future my dear children and your reward shall be great. But honestly girls I want you to think about it and decide to come back. Write me after Christmas. I know you would like the school and X am sure If you...
Show moreVassar Oct. 22nd 1865. My Dear Carrie and Abbie, I received your long-expected and welcome letter only yesterday and hasten to answer it hoping you will not be long in writing next time for I think you ought to be good to pay me for my writing to you so often last winter - so be good in future my dear children and your reward shall be great. But honestly girls I want you to think about it and decide to come back. Write me after Christmas. I know you would like the school and X am sure If you Intend to go away to school you ought to go this winter, just think of waiting a whole year longer and then going away for a year. Just think you won't get out of school In time to take any comfort at all. I feel now so old to be coming to school and as though I should be too old to do anything but knit stockings on account of the falling eyesight that comes on with age. I do so wish you would decide to come back with me. I think you would enjoy it although of course It Is very quiet but all the girls, or at least the greater part are very pleasant indeed and I have made so many pleasant acquaintances. The only time I really wish I was at home is rainy Sundays and I get letters telling of some grand time just passed or else la process of preparing. I don't doubt you had a nice time over to Dartmouth. I should like to have been with you much. I having been once or twice on similar festivities can judge something what kind of a time you had but how could you be so harsh as to tell me that Fred Gentleman Fred was lost to me at least forever, and that without one word of preparation. It was cruel and I have barely rallied from the shock and there is bat little left of me. (by the way I was weighed a day or two ago and weighed 123£ lbs. which Is six and a half pounds more than I ever weighed before in my life.) how you could have been so inconsiderate I can't Imagine. I never would have been so harsh if it had been your case. last imagine my disappointment. Oh well - let as be patient these severe afflictions sometimes prove to be our greatest blessing and it may be so la this case. Bat I can readily account for the you behaved fact that you behave better on your Smiths Mills Expedition because I was not there which mast have produced a good effect. Long life to sofa - and a long and oh a sad farewell to the same. Weddings still continue to be the rage la F.R. it seems. How I pity those poor girls who not succeeding in catching a beau were obliged to go away to school in order to conceal their despair. I can sympathize deeply with them. Did you know by the way that Will Hooper won't go to Mary Hathaway's wedding. Libbie was one of the bridesmaids and I should think that they might have had H. for her attendant. Perhaps they did but I did not hear so. And so Mr. Bateman and his gray horse have again appeared upon the stage of activities. What blissful emotions you must have experienced when you saw him la the dim distance gradually drawing nearer and nearer - and a friend, too. I don't believe you properly appreciate the honor conferred upon you. My studies now are fairly under way. I have taken French, German, Algebra and am for the present reviewing Arithmetic. and not a day passes without there being more or less visitors. Then too a good many young gentlemen come to walk over the grounds, young ones, and we flirt horridly with them. Although today has been the Sabbath there has been a busy time in that time and I've sat by the window, bowed, waved my handkerchief fee till I was positively tired and retired from the window more than satisfied by my day's work. I have not been down into Poughkeepsie since I have been here because we can't go without a teacher and as I have had a chance to send down for anything I wanted and could only go by having a teacher trot around with me I did not feel very particular about it - I mean to try it however in a week or two and see if I can't get lost from the teacher some of the gidiare so [unfortunate] sometimes and well when they get lost of course they try to enjoy themselves as much as possible under the circumstances. They are not to blame for that of course. How do you like the idea of Hubby coming - how I see you all hiding your diminished heads. I don't see how you came to consent to It. I had no idea she would teach Mary again - I hope you will both bear up under the trouble bravely and I must say that I fully coincide with the conclusion expressed in your final sentence. I don't care if she does have more attention from some people I don't think it is worth the minding. Don't I wish I was over the river with you. I should not be surprised if we could manage to enjoy ourselves passably well and also think it possible that we might find something to talk about for the space of five minutes at least. By the way in my last letter did I describe my room and the College also to you if not I will in my next letter for I want you to have some idea of how I am situated but I was not sure whether I had done so or not and I thought It would be rather uninteresting for you if I should describe it for your benefit twice over. As for my letters you need not fear their reading them, they don't have time nor an opportunity to do it for we get the mail as soon as it comes In direct from the Office. We go off on long walks, nutting and after apples. We can go to such places without having a teacher trotting around with us, and then we play Croquet a good deal but not with nice partners as X have played with no gentry and for some reason or other it was not so much fun. Strange wasn't it. Can you imagine any reason for the fact. I hope you will write me very soon again and I hope you will excuse this uninteresting letter but we have scarce any news out of the College and that isn't interesting for you but do tell me all the news. I shall be grateful even if I cannot repay it. With much love to you both and to your Mother Mary also. I remain your affectionate friend Laura Arnzen [continued from page 4, "reviewing Arithmetic…"] I was not obliged by my examination to take up the latter study but I did not want to leave school without a mere thorough knowledge of some parts than I possess but my teacher does not wish me to continue It She says it is a mere waste of time and thinks I had better take another study in its place. Whether I shall or not I have not yet quite decided. The lessons in all the studies are generally very long and there is some complaint but not much. And the girls like all the teachers very much. There are over thirty teachers and Professors. We can scarcely move without running into one - but among all the Professors there is not a marriageable man, every one is married. They have put us out of the way of temptation quite thoroughly but as the college is a new one there is a great deal of curiosity felt about it among people [Laura Earl Arnsen* spec. '65-66, To Caroline E. and Abigail L« Slade, both spec. '65-66.]
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Creator: Arnzen, Laura Earl
Date: October 7, 1865
Text: Vassar College. Poughkeepsle Oct 7/65 Dear Carrie & Abbie. I write according to my promise to tell where you must direct my letters and do write me soon I have not had any letter from home yet and I look forward to one eagerly although I know it will make me cry and I have not done that yet. It is raining hard tonight; the wind has that moaning wail peculiar to fall and I feel a little blue but I have got real well acquainted with eight or nine very pleasant young ladies that I like ever...
Show moreVassar College. Poughkeepsle Oct 7/65 Dear Carrie & Abbie. I write according to my promise to tell where you must direct my letters and do write me soon I have not had any letter from home yet and I look forward to one eagerly although I know it will make me cry and I have not done that yet. It is raining hard tonight; the wind has that moaning wail peculiar to fall and I feel a little blue but I have got real well acquainted with eight or nine very pleasant young ladies that I like ever so much. Three of them are cousins to each other and all are neices of the founder Matthew Vassar. There are over three hundred In the school* they are from all parts of the country* some even from California & Bermuda. I think I shall like most of them very much indeed. The buildings and grounds are beautiful and in the most perfect order. Water is carried through the building we have gas in our rooms, our fare is very good and very plenty. We sit at table one half hour at breakfast and tea and an hour at dinner and as there are only twelve at each table and we have a servant to every table and are permitted to help ourselves to any thing within our reach we are far from suffering. We stuff our pockets too. We have real nice bread and I never ate nicer butter in my life and besides we have Just as much fresh sweet milk as we want to dring. There are a dozen cows belonging to the College but besides that they have 300 quarts of milk brought In every day. For breakfast today we Oct. 7» 1865 -2 had a beefsteak roasted and fried potatoes, corncake k coffee. For dinner we had veal pie, roast beef potatoes tomatoes pickles for dessert custard pie and those who desire have tea. For supper brown bread white bread crackers prunes and halibut and tea. I have a delightful room which I share with an old pokey called Helen Honors Tones who I cordially detest* I don't want to give up the room for it is so very pleasant so I'll just exert myself to make the atmosphere of It too hot for her If she don't behave herself better. I for one don't see any use in people's making themselves disagreeable so eagerly especially when they would be so when doing the best they can. The classes are not fully organised yet for all the scholars have not arrived and we have the gayest times playing croquet, walking k robbing orchards. Oh I do so wish you would decide to come back with me Christmas if only to stay till June. I know you would like It very much. Art There is a splendld^Gallery containing over three hundred beautiful pic- tures, one of the finest Mineral Cabinets in the United States and a splendid library with more books of engravings than you could look through In the six months. And finally It Is all perfectly splendid k I like ever so much. And oh If you could only stand a moment at my window and see the view you would exclaim with me "It Is perfect. I can see the Catskill mounts* the houses and spires of Poughkeespie the college is about a mile and a half out of the city and with the woods which are now just beginning to be variegated with scarlet and gold It Is perfection itself. But I'll tell you more next time X Oct, 7, 1865 - 3 write. Do please answer soon* you can't imagine how nice a letter would seem and how gladly received by your distant but loving friend Laura Do write soon iLaura Earl Arnzen* spec, »65-66,P#S, Please address Laura E. Arnzen, Vassar Female College Poughkeepsie N.Y. To Caroline E. and Abigail L. Slade, both spec. '65-66.
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Creator: Badgley, Mary M
Date: 1866-1867

Creator: Badgley, Mary M.
Date: 1866-12-16
Text: Vassar College Sunday, Dec* 16/66. My dear Kate, You see by the date that I have made another exception to my rule, these two letters to you are the only letters that I have written on Sunday since X have been away from home, excepting a part of one which X wrote to Mamma. But Kate as X sit here with nothing to reach for we can take no more books from the Library until after the vacation, and look out of the window and see the snow falling to the earth, I think of Milwaukee and all the dear...
Show moreVassar College Sunday, Dec* 16/66. My dear Kate, You see by the date that I have made another exception to my rule, these two letters to you are the only letters that I have written on Sunday since X have been away from home, excepting a part of one which X wrote to Mamma. But Kate as X sit here with nothing to reach for we can take no more books from the Library until after the vacation, and look out of the window and see the snow falling to the earth, I think of Milwaukee and all the dear ones at home who are at church hearing Mr. Allison preach one of his dear good sermons, and I long to step in and be with them, and then I think of you lying perhaps in your mother's bedroom, or perhaps sitting by the library window, and how X wish I could come in and spend the morning with you, but this cannot be and X must try and not even think as such thing was ever possible, but you do know if X was at home that X would have been much with you during your long sickness, which you have borne so patiently. But Kate dear, you must not think that X have not thought of you often during this heavy trial, for scarcely a day passes but what I think of you and very often wish that X could step in and see you, if it were only for a few minutes. X have been to morning prayers and also to Bible class this morning, I am in Prof. Farrar's Bible class, he is a wonderful man. X wish that X could understand him as a man and X do so wish that X could Dec. 16, 1866 - 2 understand his belief in religion. He is certainly a very very sincere Christian, it seems to me that I scarcely ever saw one more in earnest he, yet it is so difficult to know what he does really believe, and he seems so anxious that we should try and understand as far as pos- sible what we believe, and not receive everything as true without asking any questions concerning it. Laura Bartlett was sick and went home a week ago and is not coming back until after the Christmas vacation. I had a letter from her yesterday, and she said that your mother was in Brooklyn. X am so so sorry that Jimmie has been so sick, how sudden it has been but I feel that it cannot be possible but that he will be better before a great while. But the only way in all our troubles dear Katy, is to look for comfort to Our Heavenly Father, feeling that He alone knows what is best for us. which I know you do. You may think that there was no need of my writing this, and that I have written it without any thought, but it is not so. I do wish that I could say something that would be real comforting to you, but you know that if I cannot say anything to comfort you, 1 do really sympathise with you, and X only wish that X could see you to say all that I would like to. instead of having only the privilege of writing, which is not often all very satis- factory. College efceses closes next Thursday for a vacation of two weeks. Kate is going to Baltimore) Alice to Brooklyn,and I am going Oct. 22, 1865 - 16 to White Plains. I hope to have a very pleasant time but of course it will seem strange to be from home on Christmas, as it is the first one that I have ever spent away from my own dear home; and New Years I shll think of your dear Katy, and of the two last New Years that I have spent at your house. But X must stop now and I hope as soon as you are able you will write. With much love to Mrs. Dana and to all of the girls, and with ever and ever so much to yourself, X am as ever. Your loving friend Mary M. Badgeley. Kate and Alice would have sent their love did they know I was writing. I have just blotted the back of my letter but it is too late to write another.
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Creator: Badgley, Mary M., Flanders, Kate
Date: January 4, 1867
Text: Vassar College, January 4ty67 Dear dear Katy, I cannot tell you how delighted I was to get that letter of youars and to feel that you had been able to write it yourself, and oh how glad that you are once more able to go out. I did not receivs it aiatil night before last, and I had not a minute's time that 2 could sniwar it before. I am so glad that you wrote me Just such a letter as yota did telling me about yourself, and you need not feel at all troubled concern- ing the number of Is in...
Show moreVassar College, January 4ty67 Dear dear Katy, I cannot tell you how delighted I was to get that letter of youars and to feel that you had been able to write it yourself, and oh how glad that you are once more able to go out. I did not receivs it aiatil night before last, and I had not a minute's time that 2 could sniwar it before. I am so glad that you wrote me Just such a letter as yota did telling me about yourself, and you need not feel at all troubled concern- ing the number of Is in it, for I had rather that you would write mbout yourself than anything else) I have got so that it seems as if my letters contain nothing else but those large Is, and I have had serious intentions of mentioning myself with a small letter so that it would not be <qulte so conspicuous, but if you will agree let us make an arrangement tny which all reference to self will be excused for I certainly want to know how you are and what you are doing. School opened again today although, there are only a part of the girls back yet. I came yesterday afternoon. Uncle brought me over to Tarrytown In a sleigh and from there I catarn up alone, I was so in hopes that your mother and brother would be on the train asyou wrote they were going home this week or next and I knew tiaat yester- day was the last day they could start this week if they reached horn* before Sunday, but I did not see them and presumed they were not on ttae train. I have had a very pleasant although very quiet vacations I did not feel as homesick as I expected to, although X should have liked very muach to have Jan. 4, 1867 - 2 been at home. Santa Claus was very kind to you this year was he not. X did not have a great many presents this year but expect I shall have to have a double portion next year. I had a very handsome copy of "Pleasures of Hope" and "Pleasures of Memory11 from cousin John Dutcher, a pair of kid gloves from AuntAnnie Bradford, a neck ribbon from Mismie B. and X am to have a ring from my father. X had expected to have gone down to N.Y. and spent a day and night there, and cousin John went to the depot after me but it was so unpleasant that I did not go. X went down last Wednesday and spent part of the day, took dinner with Minnie B. There were four other young ladies, two of them from Mrs. Hoffman's! among Minnie's presents she had a set of jewelry of artificial flowers like the one that you had, I should think. Minnie Is very well and I enjoyed my visit with her very much. She seems like a young lady to me. She is delighted tlth N. Y.I was almost glad that X did not get your letter until X got home, for X should have wanted so much to have gone over to Brooklyn and seen your mother, and that would have been Impossible. Now that this vacation is past, it will not seem nearly as long before It Is time for me to come home once more. When at White Plains X was Introduced to Miss Schinan direct from Vassar College, and X do not remember ever having seen her before, it seems very strange to be living In the same house and not even Oct. 22, 1865 - 1867 know them by sight. Where is Hattie Newhall staying in N.Y. Is she boarding or with friends ? When Alice and 1 went downwe met George Peckam on the cars. He is studying law at a law school in Albany - he is quite pleasant. Alice and Kate have neither of them got back yet or at least X have not seen them yet. They are going to have a much pleasanter room when they come back than they had before. Saturday morning - , Alice has come. It did seem so nice to see her again. You have no idea how pleasant it is for me to have them with me here. I have been up to see her this morning. I had intended to write a longer letter but X think X shall have to stop for it is almost dinner time. X had a letter from Mamma this morning with two very pretty ribbons in It. She wrote you were in church last Sunday. Now Kate, goodby, and do write as soon as you feel able. With love to your sister, and all the girls, Your truly loving friend, Mary.
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Creator: Badgley, Mary M.
Date: November 24, 1866
Text: Vassar Collage, Nov. 24, / 66. Dear Katie What must you thi&k of me by this time, that I am a hard hearted girl, and have forgotten all about you, perhaps I deserve all of this, yet I may say that it is not true, for I have thought of you every day for over a week, and have tried in vain to find time to answer Mrs. Dana's welcome letter, which I received over two weeks ago. The time is so divided up into periods here that I find little time to do anything but prepare my lessons,...
Show moreVassar Collage, Nov. 24, / 66. Dear Katie What must you thi&k of me by this time, that I am a hard hearted girl, and have forgotten all about you, perhaps I deserve all of this, yet I may say that it is not true, for I have thought of you every day for over a week, and have tried in vain to find time to answer Mrs. Dana's welcome letter, which I received over two weeks ago. The time is so divided up into periods here that I find little time to do anything but prepare my lessons, though I have but three, there are so many extra duties to be performed, we are obliged to exercise just so much every day, and we have chapel twice a day, and about two or three lectures every week. Wednesday evening we have a lecture on health from Miss Avery, who is the resident physician here. And Saturday morning we have a talk from Kfiss Lyman on etiquet, and twice in the week we have Bible lesson. And then we have gymnastics every day and you have no idea how nice they are; we have a splendid hall on purpose, and the figures are some of them so pretty, it seems almost as good as dancings yester- day we went over there and as it was Friday, we stayed there an hour, and then scarecly wanted to come home. Now when you think of all of these and great many other little things, that I cannot stop to mention, do you wonder that my time is all occupied. Last night a Mr. Pierson lectured here before the Literary society, it seemed very strange to hear a real lecturer again. The society are in hopes of having a course of lectures Nov. 24, 1866 -2 here for the College, as we have them every Winter at home; I hope they will succeed, they have written to Gough and to Annie Dickinson and to others, and I believe they have promised to come if they pos- sibly can. Does it seem possible to you that next Thursday can be Thanksgiving day, I can scarcely realize it. We are hoping to have a very pleasant time here, there is a committee I believe to make arrangements for the day, but what these arrangements will be we do not yet know, there will probably be some entertainment in the evening. Monday after Thanksgiving I believe there is to be a grand celebration in the evening, as it is the anniversary of the establishment of the Literary society. Though there are of course a great many things here that are different very different from home, and there is scarcely a day but what I think how glad I should be if I was only at home again; yet there are also a great many things that make this strange sort of life pleasant, and I must say that I think this College Is almost as near perfect in its arrangements as any boarding school can be, and that we have great advantages here. I think you must have got along splendidly In French if you are going to have a French play so soon. Mrs. Dana asked if we had progressed far enough yet to publish a paper, I am sorry to say that we have not, though I believe there is one paper published every year, though I am afraid that to the students at Yale this would look like very Nov. 24, 1866 -3 small progress. I received a letter from Mamma in which she said that Mr, Bradley's sister was going to help Mrs. Newhall and her at their dinner table, what a long visit she is making. X have yet to write A letter to Minnie Bradford today, beside a composition to commence so I must stop; it does seem as if Saturday was just about as busy a day as any in the week. I do hope I shall hear from you soon; you have no idea with what interest I watch for my letters, and I will try and answer it more promptly than I have this time. Give my love to your mother and sister and to all of the girls. X am with ever and ever so much love Your aff. friend, Mary
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Creator: Badgley, Mary M.
Date: October 15, 1866
Text: Vassar College, Oct. 15, /66. Dear Kate, X received your dear good letter the early part of last week, aad my first impulse was to sit right down and answer it, hut there were other things to be done, and for one reason and another have put it off until now, and have now only a few minutes before the warning bell will sound, and Z shall have to leave my letter in order to get our lights out by ten o'clock, but we girls have got so expert that we can make almost all our preparations for...
Show moreVassar College, Oct. 15, /66. Dear Kate, X received your dear good letter the early part of last week, aad my first impulse was to sit right down and answer it, hut there were other things to be done, and for one reason and another have put it off until now, and have now only a few minutes before the warning bell will sound, and Z shall have to leave my letter in order to get our lights out by ten o'clock, but we girls have got so expert that we can make almost all our preparations for retiring in the dark. I trust to you almost entirely for news of all that is going on among the girls, as Mamma of course does not know about everything and the idea of you speaking of your letter as a gossiping one, X should not have been at all satisfied if you had not written Just what you did. U you were only here with me it seems to me that I should be quite satisfied, the college and the grounds around it are beautiful and what it seems to lack for me is your not being here, to be sure it is very pleasant to have Alice and Kate here, but they are on the fourth floor and X am on the first, and consequently do not see them a great deal to have any long visit with them. Dear one! The bell has rung and X must stop to take it up and finish it when X can. Goodnight Mary. see next sheet Oct. 22, 1865 - 2 Tuesday morn. Here I am writing before breakfast, it is a most beautiful morning, but I should think by the feeling of the airthat it is quite cold. I hope that you will not forget to write all about Flora Matson's wedding, and also send me some pieces of her dresses, and if you wish to please me write what you wore and how you fixed your hair. I am glad to think that you do not forget me in our little prayer meetings, we have prayer meetings here every Sunday evening, under the charge of Miss Miner, our corrider teacher, who is Just as sweet as she can be; there are from twenty five to thirty attend of course all from our corrider, as the others have meetings in different rooms, I enjoy them very much it reminds me very forcibly of our own little meetings at home. Then there is a prayer meeting held on Thursday evening for the whole college, but I have not attended one of these. Then on Monday evening we have corrider meet- ing for giving the sermon of the preceding Sabbath, that you may know is not very easy, but yet X think it a very good plan. You have been a splen- did girl about going to see Mamma, she has written me about It nearly every time you have been I think, and X hope that you will continue to go as often as you can. Tuesday eve. Dear Kate, You see from the number of times my letter is dated that I Oct. 15, 1866 -3 have to write when I cam get a few minutes, the warning bell is sounding now and I shall have to stop again in a few minutes, but X am determined to write as much as X can now. One of the girls with whom X have become acquainted Is Laura Bartlett from Binghamton, a cousin of Rev. Wm. Bartlett's one evening when I was calling her she very innocently asked If X was acquainted with Mr. Flanders family, I told her how Intimate you and X are, we at once decided to be friends on your account, she is a very pleasant girl and X like her very much. She has been in to see your photograph, and says she wishes very much that she could see you, it seemed quite as if we were old friends because she had heard so much of you. X commenced English Literature today and think that X shall like it, it is Spauldings. X presume that Mamma has told you that X have com- menced German - it is splendid so fan in our French class there are about forty now, but it is to be made smaller before long. Some of the girls have a great time here in dressing up. Saturday evening X believe that there were about forty dressed up, one as a negro woman, and another as a ghost and others as nuns but it did not entirely please President Raymond* and X expected that some of the girls would suffer for it, but they have not as yet. Some of the girls say that one of the teachers here (who is not very well liked) was heard to exclaim when she saw the negro Oct. 22, 1865 - 4 woman "What horrible thing is this, wherefore is this outrage per- petrated" and the girls say that one of them one night passed her ginger bread and she said "No, I thank you I have no praediliction for ginger breat", and this same teacher has charge of our Literature class, what do you think I shall be when I come from under her charge? Wednesday eve. X have not succeeded in finishing my letter yet. One of the girls just brought us a little jelly cake, and candy, which was a great treat she succeeded by writing to a merchant for them and having him send them up. It being against the rules to purchase either. Received Flora Matson's wedding cards today. My letter Is blotted and looks dreadfull but I have no time to copy it.Give my love to Kittle and tell her I wish that she would write. Write me a good long letter as soon as you can. With love to your mother and sister and with a great deal to yourself, I am as ever, your Mary. /
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Creator: Badgley, Mary M.
Date: October 28, 1866
Text: Vassar College, Oct. 28/66. Dear Kate, I received Mrs. Dana's good letter yesterday and was very glad to receive it, but was so so sorry to think that you are sick and not able to write; Mama wrote me that you were not well, but I had no Idea that you were as sick as you are, but I hope that you will be very much better before many days have gone by. You can see by the date of my letter that I am doing something that I am not in the habit of doing, something that is writing a letter on...
Show moreVassar College, Oct. 28/66. Dear Kate, I received Mrs. Dana's good letter yesterday and was very glad to receive it, but was so so sorry to think that you are sick and not able to write; Mama wrote me that you were not well, but I had no Idea that you were as sick as you are, but I hope that you will be very much better before many days have gone by. You can see by the date of my letter that I am doing something that I am not in the habit of doing, something that is writing a letter on the Sabbath, but when I heard that you were sick I decided that as I could not come and see you, that it is a pleasure and as much my duty to write to you as to do anything else. I have just been having a good long talk with Laura Bartlett and also read her Mrs. Dana's letter. We came out of Bible class together and then sat down at the bottom of one of the pair of stairs to talk for a little while, as we neither of us wished to go to the other's room to-day. I asked her to come down the other day and get some of the cookies, which Mama sent me (as they are quite a treat to us here) she came down night but I was out, and she says she will come again. I had a box from home Thursday with my Winter cloak, (did you see it) and some other things, quite a number of pictures among others the picture of our Sunday school class. I have them hung up and you do not know how nice and home-like it makes our parlor Oct. 28, 1866 -2 seem. I am going to have a frame for the picture of our house as near as possible like the one on the picture of the Sunday school class. I went down to Poughkeepsie yesterday, it is only the second time that I have down excepting communion Sabbath since I have been here, and I had the good fortune while there of meeting in one of the stores WillieAllen, it seemed very pleasant to see even him because he was from Milwaukee; and I also met on the street Addy Storms. She has come to Poughkeepsie to attend school, she told me the name of the school but I do not remember the name now, where she thought she would have a gayer time than she would at Vassar, because she would be allowed to go out with her friends more there than she would here, which I think is very probable. ! have commenced taking riding lessons took my first lesson Friday morning a private lesson from one they pretend to call a Baron, but whose right to the title seems to me to be rather doubtful. I think that I am going to like it very much indeed, I believe that he has over fifty scholars. I do wish that you were going to study German this year I am so sure that you would like it ever and ever so much, but then you know that it has always been my wish to study German and I am not in the least disappointed in it. I like French very much but am not quite so interested in it as in my German. I think that perhaps that you have heard through Mamma of Oct, 28, 1866 -3 my having commenced Physical Geography and Geology, these alternate and under the charge of Prof. Tenny; we are taught almost entirely by lectures, we have a text book written by Prof. Tenny in which we read in particular subjects and when he has finished any one subject he examines us on what he has told us. There are about ninety in the class, and we are obliged to have our recitations in the Chapel. A week ago yesterday Prof. T. took some twenty of us to the other side of the Hudson river on a geologizing excursion, it was a beautiful afternoon and we had a splendid time; we started about two o'clock and did not get home until after dark; after considerable consultation between Presi- dent Raymond and Miss Lyman, those that wished were allowed to wear their gymnastic dresses as we were to go where we would see but two or three, and it would be so much more convenient in climbing the mountains, there were about half of us wore our suits and we were very glad that we did. evening Kate Ober and a Lizzie Mather and myself went in and called on Prof. Tenny, as he had promised to give us some specimens we had a very pleasant call, all most all of the Profs have houses connected with the College. I am so sorry that you u ere not able to go to Flora Matrson's reception for I know how disappointed you must have been, and I was disappointed too for I wanted to hear from you all about it, what everyone had on, what they said, and even what they thought, and I also wanted to know what you did and what you wore, but Sept. 21, 1870 - 4 as you had to bear so much the greater part of the disappointment, I will not speak of mine. Mamma sent some of the wedding cake in my box, and I have intended to dream on it every single night since it came but have forgotten it, but I have a piece left and think that perhaps I may think of it before it is all gone. It is as still about the house and grounds here to-day as if it were a private building and one would scarcely think excepting from the size of the building that there could be between four and five hundred persons in such grounds. I think that I had better stop for to-day as it will soon be twelve o'clock and the mail does not go out until tomorrow afternoon. I should have written all of my letter to-morrow but I knew that I should not have time. Oh how much that I wish that I could see you for a little while, I have been gone over two months, yet it seems a good long time to look for- ward to next Junes how I hope that when you come East next Summer you will be able to come here, and see everything that there is to be seen and come down here into our little parlor, it seems so it was almost too nice to think of but yet I hope that it may be realised. Monday morning - I received a letter from Minnie Bradford this morn- ing. She says that she is delighted with her school. It is almost dinner time and the mail goes very soon after dinner so I must stop. W rite as soon as you can for I shall be very anxious to know how you are. Give my love to your mother and sister. In haste I am as ever your loving friend, Mary.
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Creator: Badgley, Mary M.
Date: September 13, 1866
Text: Poughke epsie, N.Y., Sept. 13th, 186- ,1866? , Dear Kate, I have put off writing to you until I should get established in school, and as I reached Vassar College in safety yesterday, and had nothing particular to do, I thought I would write. Minnie and I had a very pleasant Journey, but very tired when we parted in New York. I went directly to White Plains, I had a very pleasant visit there; one day Uncle took me down to New York, we found Minnie, and Mrs. Dunn invited me to spend a day and...
Show morePoughke epsie, N.Y., Sept. 13th, 186- ,1866? , Dear Kate, I have put off writing to you until I should get established in school, and as I reached Vassar College in safety yesterday, and had nothing particular to do, I thought I would write. Minnie and I had a very pleasant Journey, but very tired when we parted in New York. I went directly to White Plains, I had a very pleasant visit there; one day Uncle took me down to New York, we found Minnie, and Mrs. Dunn invited me to spend a day and night with her, and she went back and spent the same length of time with me, so that waiwe were together for two or three days. I wish that you could have had some of the fruit that X had while there, such quantities and so nice. Perhaps you would like to know something about the College, well the picture on the front of the sheet is a very a good picture of the building and grounds in front of the house. The chapel where we have morning and evening prayers, and service on the Sabbath Is on the third floor it is a beautiful room, above that is the Art Gallery full of handsome pictures, and below It is the dining room the tables each seat about twelve and they have plenty to eat. Yesterday morning after I got here X was examined in Arithmetic, Geography, and Grammar to see whether I could be excepted, before I could be shown to my room. The room which I have is very pleasant, it is on the first floor there are three rooms opening into one study parlor, Sept. 13, 1S66? - 2 I have the single room of the three and think myself very fortunate; one of the double rooms is occupied by two sisters, Helen and Hattie ^alen, from Michigan, they are very pleasantgirls, the other room is to be occupied X expect by Alice Holton and Kate Ober, though they have not come yet, so I think I am going to be very pleasantly situated, or at least almost more so than I could expect to be at boarding school. There are persons visiting the College now all the time, and many come out and ride around the grounds even if they do not come into the building. Oh dear.1 I have so many questions to ask about persons and things in Milwaukee, that I do not know where to begin or where to end. Have you commenced French yet? And what other lessons do you take? Has Jimmy gone back to College yet? Who are in the Senior class at school this year? Has Ella Godfrey gone home yet? Now remember Kate you have got to write me a great long letter as soon as you get this, answering every one of my questions, and telling me every thing else that is going on. If dear little Marion Matson ever has her picture taken, you must remember that I am to have one. I presume that Minnie Bradford is going to remain in New York, as she is not here, and I have not heard from her, though I expect a letter all the time; and every time I hear any- one passing through the hall I think it may be Alice and Kate, though it is rather early in the morning to expect them, as it takes nearly two hours to pass through the examinations. How is Kittle Brodhead getting along? Sept. 13, 1866? - 3 How soon is Maggie Pierce going South and has Willie Sanderson got home from his hunting? I think I must close now for my trunk has come since I have been writing, and I want to get it open and my things put away. I sincerely hope you will excuse the number of I's in the letter but I could not seem to help it very well. With much love to yourself, Mother and Mrs. Dana, and to all the girls, I am as ever your Aff. friend Mary M. Badgley. Please write the number of your house in your next letter.Miss Kate Flanders Milwaukee Wis. (Corner Mason & Jefferson Streets)
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Creator: Badgley, Mary M.
Date: September 24, 1866
Text: Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Monday. Sept. 24, 186- (1866 ? , Dear Kate, X received your dear good letter last Wednesday, and you may be sure that I was glad to get it, for I had just commenced to think that the girls, end you especially, had forgotten that there was such a person in existence. With your picture I was perfectly delighted, and think it is very good. As for my being initiated in my studies you are quite mistaken, for although X have been here a week and a half, X do not know yet what X...
Show morePoughkeepsie, N.Y., Monday. Sept. 24, 186- (1866 ? , Dear Kate, X received your dear good letter last Wednesday, and you may be sure that I was glad to get it, for I had just commenced to think that the girls, end you especially, had forgotten that there was such a person in existence. With your picture I was perfectly delighted, and think it is very good. As for my being initiated in my studies you are quite mistaken, for although X have been here a week and a half, X do not know yet what X am going to study, but expect to be settled before many days morehave gone by. X am so glad that you have a pleasant class in French, but X hope that you will not get the start of me. It was almost too bad that Mary Hadley could not go on with the class. The Senior class is not so very large after all, but I should think that the girls had their hands about full. It seems so strange to do everything so at the sounding of the bell, we have to be up at six o'clock in the morning and in the bed with the light put out at ten. I expect the bell to sound every minute for dinner, one thing, we have as much as we wish to eat, and I have got so that I have to have some bread and syrup for supper, every night you better try it, we girls think it splendid. Yesterday afternoon Mr. Coming came up from Poughkeepsie and preached for us, it seemed very pleasant to hear him. Last night we had corridor prayer meeting, there Sept. 13, 1866? - 2 were about thirty of us there, it made me think of our little prayer meeting at home.1 took the letter, which Mrs. Dana so kindly wrote for me, to Miss Wiley and she came down to my room and called, it seemed very pleasant to see any one, who had ever been In Milwaukee, and she knew so many persons that I did, that 1 enjoyed telling her about them very much. I have Just seen Alice and Kate while we were together, Alice received a letter in which it spoke of the death of Col. Walker, is it not sad? You say that you think that I have had the best of the bargain, I think that perhaps if you had seen me once or twice when I have received letters, and also a week ago Sunday morning you might change your mind. I should not object to stop in and see you now for a little while. Kate, Alice and I went out to walk a little while this morning and X told the girls then, that if you were only here and rooming with me X should be as nicely situated as possible. Mamma writes that Flora Matson is going to be married in a few weeks. X should not send such a looking letter, but I do not know when I should get another one written. Though of course you will write before the wedding yet after it X shall expect a nice long letter, giving me a full account of it. After I reached here I found that X should be obliged to have a gymnastic suit, accordingly X obtained permission to go down street, there Sept. 13, 1866? - 122 were six of us went under the charge of one teacher, and it was per- fectly comical, no matter what we wanted we had to all seven of us go into the store after it. I got me waterproof cloth for my suit, and trimmed it with red braid, one of the girls cut it out for me, and another plaited it, and is going to make the button holes, so you see that there are some kind girls here. Just think Kate I have only been examined in Reading, Spelling, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Gram- mar, Rhetoric, Geography, and Latin, and handed in one composition. There my sheet is filled and I must stop with a great deal of love to your mother and sister, I am as ever Your affectionate friend, Mary. Go and see Mamma as often as you can. Mary.
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Creator: Bagg, Sophia D., Burnham, Sophia R.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: n.d.

Creator: [Bagg, Sophia D.], [Burnham, Sophia R.]
Date: n.d.
Text: "Silent Time". Saturday morning. Dear Annie* I want to thank you for the essay which you read last evening in chapter meeting. I had been making myself very unhappy all the after- noon* and was quite sure that my "doll was stuffed with sawdust". There were words in your essay which made me feel better fc happier & for them I thank you. Yours with love Sophie B. (Possibly Sophia D. Bagg, <69 or Sophia R. Burnham, '69, To Annie (Glidden) Houts, >69Annie M....
Show more"Silent Time". Saturday morning. Dear Annie* I want to thank you for the essay which you read last evening in chapter meeting. I had been making myself very unhappy all the after- noon* and was quite sure that my "doll was stuffed with sawdust". There were words in your essay which made me feel better fc happier & for them I thank you. Yours with love Sophie B. (Possibly Sophia D. Bagg, <69 or Sophia R. Burnham, '69, To Annie (Glidden) Houts, >69Annie M. Glidden
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Creator: Banfield, Edith C.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea

Creator: Banfield, Edith C.
Date: June 1888
Text: (After June 10, 1888) ...Just before we came away Varina [Brown, '89], and Corinne Keen ['89] had a duel. These little affairs are becoming quite the fashion of late at the College. Corinne and Varina were both nominated Vice President of Alpha. Varina was elected and Corinne challenged her to a duel, and asked me to be her second. We had a great time. I sent a challenge to Brown (as we called V) and she chose Louise Poppenheim ['89], as her...
Show more(After June 10, 1888) ...Just before we came away Varina [Brown, '89], and Corinne Keen ['89] had a duel. These little affairs are becoming quite the fashion of late at the College. Corinne and Varina were both nominated Vice President of Alpha. Varina was elected and Corinne challenged her to a duel, and asked me to be her second. We had a great time. I sent a challenge to Brown (as we called V) and she chose Louise Poppenheim ['89], as her second. Pop— then in writing ac cepted the challenge and signed himself Louis p—— The weapons, he stated were to be Blanchon pistols (in other words toy pop guns - The corks when they fly out make a very loud report.) place, a shady nook behind the music hall, distance, six paces and time 8.30 A.M. Keen & Brown made their wills and each chose his lawyer. A surgeon's services were also engaged. That pompous gentleman took with him a case of ins truments (which proved to be a Russia leather box containing a full set of nail cleaning apparatus) also numerous pieces of flannel rag, a towel and a clock. Also restoratives in the shape of a palm leaf fan, a lemon and cherry tooth paste. We took the invalid chair from the infirmary, as being the thing (of those available) approaching nearest to an ambulance - So many and varied were our preparations that it was nearly ten o'clock before our melancholy party, consisting of seven men and an ambulance finally started. Keen and Brown were very blue and their lawyers had hard work cheering them up. At ten minutes past ten we reached the ground. Brown's second, Foppenhelm, took the clock and haying placed It upon a stump looked at it very hard and said, in a solem and impressive manner, Gentlemen it is now just twenty five minutes past eight, la five minutes this affair will take place. This announce- ment was followed by shrieks and sobs (very unmanly conduct, I must confess, but we could ill bear to think that in five minutes one of our beloved companions might be dead) The wills, challenge and acceptance were then read, the paces measured off, and the fatal handkerchief (the sign to fire) dropped. Keen lay panting and gasping upon the ground. With the doctor's aid, a small stream of cherry tooth paste was trickling from his brow where the ball had entered, and his hitherto immaculate shirt front was besmeared with lemon juice. It was with difficulty that we assisted the poor fellow to the ambulance (and indeed the reed tore quite out of the back of my trousers in the attempt. After bandaging his head well we covered him with a blanket for fear that he might get cold in his wound as the thermometer only stood at ninety- We were all exhausted. The strain well nigh overcame us but Keen finally recovered so our spirits revived. After dinner he packed his trunk vigorously. Wonderful man we all voted. Ohl I never had more fun in my life! [The following notes are related to the "event": ] VC. June 9, 1888. Mr. V. D. Brown, Dear Sir: My friend C. Keen requests me as his second to demand of you satisfaction for the insult to his honor. If Mr. Brown wishes to maintain his honor will he select the time the place and the weapons. Respectfully, H. G. Sheldon. June 10th, 1888. Mr. H.G. Sheldon. Second to C, Keen Esq. Dear Sir- V. D. Brown accepts the challenge. Time - 8. A.M. June 11. Place - South east bank behind Music Hall - Vassar College. Weapons - Blanchon pistols at a distance of six paces. For further information please apply to Yours Respectfully L. Poppenheim - Second to V. D. Brown Esq., Second to V. D. Brown. [blank]June 10, 1888 Mr. L.B. Poppenheim Second for V.D. Brown, Dear Sir:— A matter of pressing importance requires the attention of C. Keen before he can meet V. D, Brown. On the south east bank behind the Music Hall—Vassar College—, at half [blank]past eight A. M. June 11, he will meet V. D. Brown, if convenient for that gentleman. Yours respectfully, H. G. Sheldon. Second for C. Keen. H.G. Sheldon Esq. V.C.Miss H. Sheldon, Vassar College
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Creator: Banfield, Edith C.
Date: May 31, 1891
Text: V.C., Sun. eve. May 31, •91. My dear Mamma;— Why is everyone neglecting me so? It's no fun to get no letters at all. I console myself by thinking that you are very busy getting ready for Wolfeboro and will be there to receive me. I so long to go right to the country. What time Is Nathan planning to come on? The excitement of this week has been the "howl" - which would make too long a story to write. And we have had the elections In Students' and Phil. Alice is...
Show moreV.C., Sun. eve. May 31, •91. My dear Mamma;— Why is everyone neglecting me so? It's no fun to get no letters at all. I console myself by thinking that you are very busy getting ready for Wolfeboro and will be there to receive me. I so long to go right to the country. What time Is Nathan planning to come on? The excitement of this week has been the "howl" - which would make too long a story to write. And we have had the elections In Students' and Phil. Alice is President of Students - which is just as It should be - and Miss Mast, who is fine looking - but whom I do not like is President of Phil. Perhaps you will be amused to know - as most people seem to be - that I am vice-president of Phil. The funny part consists In the fact that I am also chairman of the devotional committee in the Y.W.C.A. - and by virtue of the two offices - shall have charge, next year, of all the prayermeeting and »1I the hall-plays S This has been such a tot summer's day—one that makes me fear we are to have a hot spell during examinations. We had no service in chapel this morning - so I was very laay - and got up only in time for dinner. I dined at Prof. Drennan's. Paul Cravanto(?) and a friend of his are making a flying visit there - which was why I was asked. It was very pleasant and homelike - and we did have such a good dinner) I "hanker" for some straw- berry short-cake now) Examinations come this week. Then next Wednesday is commencement. As I told you, I shall stay a day or two afterwards - to May 31, 1891 - 2 get out the last Miscellany, which has to contain accounts of commence- ment* I shall be very glad to leavemy packing till after everything is over. Nem Morris(?) has written asking me to stop over at New Haven on my way home. What do you say to a stop of a day or two ? No.— I am sure - and so I told Nem, but 1 told her I would ask you about it. There is to be an excursion, which she would have postponed, if I could stop. I shall be glad when College is over - for I don't like to work one bit. It goes against the grain. Not because I am tired, but because I like to play. Do write to me, somebody, soon. I hope you have not given out again, in any way. A great deal of love to Richie, Mamie, and my little mother, from her daughter Edith. jEdlth C. Banfield, '92, I enclose Helen's letter. Paul Cravanto(?) wished to be remembered to those of my family whom he knows.
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Creator: Banfield, Edith C.
Date: September 30, 1888
Text: VC» Sun. Sep. 30 >88. My dear Mamie - Kate Pelrce(?) says for me to tell you that you're a "fraud"—for not writing to her and now for not writing to me. People keep asking how you are, and think you are very naughty when I say you haven't written to me - So you see I am getting the sympathy you wanted. You see too, that I am not going to get anybody to pity you until you have shown a little interest in me. You can thank me...
Show moreVC» Sun. Sep. 30 >88. My dear Mamie - Kate Pelrce(?) says for me to tell you that you're a "fraud"—for not writing to her and now for not writing to me. People keep asking how you are, and think you are very naughty when I say you haven't written to me - So you see I am getting the sympathy you wanted. You see too, that I am not going to get anybody to pity you until you have shown a little interest in me. You can thank me for Ethel's letter, though. 1 have only a littie time before tea and I want to write to Helen, so I can't write much of a letter. I meant to write this afternoon, but instead I took a nap. I wish you could look In on me now—my room is very cosy and pretty* Z feel when X come in as tho' I ought to go in next door and find you. A very uninteresting Episcopal minister from Rondout preached this morning «■ the father of Miss Washburn, do you remember her? a '90 girl. Dr. Taylor was very good in prayermeeting this evening. Last evening X called on Miss Reynolds. She is going to have the Freshman Bible-class and I am feeling very happy about it. Did I write Mamma that Nem(?) began last week by being sick? I believe I did. She is all right now. Jeannette is still in the regular course & I doubt if she drops out of the class, altho*X think she ought to. I am enjoy- ing my studies very much—especially History. Isn't Prof. Salmon grand? I met Gilbert Van Ingen in the depot the night I came and again in town yesterday Friday- I am curious to know why he is not back at Cornell — Sept. 30, 1888 -2 I asked him but he seemed to avoid answering. He is coming to call some Friday - what ever shall I do with him? are HowAyou? Are you painting any? Are you down in the dumps? I must stop now - altho' I feel ashamed to send such a jerky letter. Give my love to May. I have not heard from Richie again as X hoped to. B^ure and let me know all you know about his plans. X have written to him again. With ever so much love to Mamma and yourself. In haste Edith. lEdith C. Banfield, '92, To Mary Banfield, spec.'84-87, painting '87-88 (dip.'88); prep '82-84.
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Creator: Barnes, Lucy (Sellers)
Date: 1870-1875

Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: February 5, 1871
Text: Vassar College. Feb. 5, 1871. My dear Parents. To-day the ground is covered over with snow, which we hope will prove good for sleighing since the girls have already made up sleigh loads for to-morrow night. Last year we enjoyed it so much I do hope we will not be disappointed now. Besides I really think we need a little pleasure just now for this last week has been a very trying one, - long reviews in all the lessons one day after another, and our standing during this last week and the first...
Show moreVassar College. Feb. 5, 1871. My dear Parents. To-day the ground is covered over with snow, which we hope will prove good for sleighing since the girls have already made up sleigh loads for to-morrow night. Last year we enjoyed it so much I do hope we will not be disappointed now. Besides I really think we need a little pleasure just now for this last week has been a very trying one, - long reviews in all the lessons one day after another, and our standing during this last week and the first three days of next is the test. Each day it seems to me the standard is higher. Instead of finishing my Latin this year we are obliged to read Horace next all the girls are enraged and I dont wonder, for in the catalogue it says that the Sophomore studies are they elective and then^compell them to take what ever they think best. There are many rumors around the college since the seniors have commenced of girls being turned back - the latest is that two Seniors, five Juniors, 10 Sophomores 50 Freshmen and 100 Preparatories will have to go over this semesters work in something. 50 Freshmen.' I am beginning to shake just a little though the only thing I feel the least doubtful about is the latin for I do so hate it and Prof Hinkle is so queer and unreasonable In my Algebra I have never been minus a single example since I have been in College and my only hope is that next semester I will do as well in Geometry Feb. 5, 1871 - 2 I guess my reputation will carry me through In French even if I should fail every day until the end. I dont want you to think I am going to however for I have no such intentions past For some few days^I had a little surprise in contemplation for you, which I hope would have been pleasant But yesterday all my hopes were dashed to the ground so I am going to tell you in order that I will not be the only one to feel badly Our examinations end you must know next Thursday and before we again resume our studies a space of nearly one week intervenes which I wanted to have spent with you and Guss, Kate and I were going to take you by storm some time Friday. But there were so many others who entertained the same hope that Miss Terry would not let us go. I am so very sorry for I set my heart upon it. Yesterday in all the snow for then it was still falling Annie Shepard, Kate, Lizaie Burnett and I all dressed in our Gymnastic suits and bundled all up and set out for a regular romp. We went all around Sunset Hill and traversed the grounds generally enjoying our selves to the full, and still more because we were not obliged to do it For at dinner Dr Avery announced that the Students were excused from their out door exercise. After dinner we had a meeting of the "Student Association in which we elected the speakers we desire to lecture to us on Founder's day the 29 of April, as the list now stand the names are as follows. 1. Robert Feb. 5, 1871-3 Collyer 2. Rev. Dr Murray and 3£i Mr Boardman of Phila, what do you think of them. After "Students" we the Freeh had a meeting of our Class for the election of Officers. I went in my Gym. suit just as I had come in from my frolic thinking that If I took a back seat nobody would see me. But I was not long of this mind for after the meeting was called and we had listened to the roll-call and reading of the Minutes of the last three meeting and the Candidates were being voted upon Miss Taylor our Pres. says "I appoint Miss Jewell and Miss Sellers tellers so I was obliged to come forward and receive the votes just as I was. I soon got over my bashfulness (even if it was Saturday afternoon and the rest of the girls were fixed up for tea) as I was of considerable importance for it grew dark before we finished with our elections which stand as follows $ Miss Taylor pres. as before. Miss Kellogg vice-pres. Miss Keffer, Sec. Miss Seys Treasurer. Miss McBaln Historian. Miss Maltby Sibyl Miss Burns poet. We had a dreadful time ^ with our election for president and after balloting nearly a dozen time we kept the same one as we had the first of the year. 1 was going to say something more and make a very interesting letter but all my ideas have been driven out of my head by company I am very much disappointed that I did not get a nice talk letter. I was almost sure you would take the fcfat for the subject which I wrotecross wise Feb, 5, 1871-4 on my last letter. So please dont keep me in suspenee any longer. I am most craay for a good lecture With an *ff^te Amen I am as follows- Lucy. Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, »75
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: February 14, 1875
Text: Vassar College* Feb. 14. 1875. My dear Mr. Barns, Since Friday noon last I have had the most comfortable kind of a time you can imagine. We finished our examinations then and there has been nothing for us to do, even if we desired it. So I was Just lazy to my hearts content - read & lounged and had a good time generally. I made a little plan after I returned here at Christmas - that all my letters should be written during the week and that Sunday night be entirely free to do as I chose -...
Show moreVassar College* Feb. 14. 1875. My dear Mr. Barns, Since Friday noon last I have had the most comfortable kind of a time you can imagine. We finished our examinations then and there has been nothing for us to do, even if we desired it. So I was Just lazy to my hearts content - read & lounged and had a good time generally. I made a little plan after I returned here at Christmas - that all my letters should be written during the week and that Sunday night be entirely free to do as I chose - so far my plan has worked very well, & if I had written to you yesterday as I had intended, with one excep- tion I might say perfectly. la a letter from Kate yesterday she spoke of seeing you at the Locust Club the other night- I hope it was a greater success that the Dickens night" at Mrs. Bancrofts. I never did think much of that "show11- and now I think still less - for since I last wrote you - we attempted something of the kind here and the contrast was remarkable. At our usual Club Supper- the members went the*assuming the personalities of Dicken9s different characters and they kept them up part wonderfully- Miss Cushing was Betsey Trotwood and she carried hereout to perfection. Every body did well and there was some fun in it - but the other affair seemed something of a farce — On Thursday night of this week we had our first senior party. Mrs. Backus sent the Class and invitation to their house for said eveningstated that it was to be a surprise to Prof. B.~ We learned incidently that it was his birthday. He is thirty three - and thinking to have a little fun we all agreed to carry him some funny present. You never saw such a remarkable collection— The poor man was completely loaded down fc still he kept asking- "have all the senior come"- as though he hoped for one or two more. Every body there, seemed to be in a very good humor and our first party will be remembered pleasantly. The next night Miss C. and I were invited in te play whist and "finish up the party". And now before I forget - I want to say ^that I think we f I should say I for I corn- let menced it) had better the Backus question alone- Suppose somebody should happen to see what we have said they never would understand it - It it might occasion a little surprise- The fact is I dont think you understand me yourself and I dont think you can until you see the gentleman, -yourself. I was in hopes he might visit us in April next- but he is going to Boston and Miss Cushing is to have that pleasure. Last week I went in town one evening to hear Camilla Urso- in a Concert given at the Opera House. You have heard her of course, and there fore can fully appreciate how delighted we were with her. Miss Castle, a sister to the one who visited Miss Drew, is now at College and is a very good friend of mine- She has been very kind and attentive to me and to her I am indebted the pleasure of hearing Miss Urso.The young lady is very lovely St has quite won my heart- I came back this year to College resolved not to care especially for any body and like every body in general - but I fear it is not my nature and I find I have not succeeded very well. Florence and I are the the best of friends and I tliink with-out exception she is the most elegant girl I ever knew, Mbral, intellect, ability every thing included. I see more of her that any one else - and I guess think more of her- but there is very little sentiment lost between us- Miss Castle is very different- She is much younger does not know half so much- but is very pretty- (just the style) has seen a good you admire. deal of society and I imagine is a great favorite with gentlemen. She is a beautiful dancer - and has just taught me the Saratoga- do you know it? It is all the rage- and if you dont, you must learn it right off. JLissie Barrett has been visiting up the Hudson ever since before Xmas - and drove down some twenty miles the other afternoon to see me- My how she has changed- Society seems to have perfectly received her already - it just made me sad to see her. I wish you could have seen Miss Cushings greived expression when Lizzie said "Why Florence I dont see how you can stay here —just hate the sight of a book." Florence merely replied she thought her very brave to express such a sentiment. I have just gotten hold of such a nice book- "The Conflict between Religion & Science — By Draper - have you read it? It is a new book and one wh. bids fair to be very popular*When I chance to look oat the window and behold what a glorious day it is - and remember that yesterday was the same - I almost regret that I did not go to Brooklyn on Friday last — ft is of course too late now to mourn and I only hope that next Friday will be as pleasant- We will go, though, whatever happens and I do hope that I may have the pleasure of presenting you to my friends- You have seen a good many Vassar girls but Z doubt if you ever saw three nicer ones than Misses Cushing, Jackson, & Brown. IE you "should happen to be in Brooklyn" on the 21®*. I shall hope to see you - at no 11 Tompkins Place - Miss Jackson's as I believe you put down last sumncr in your note book. So you have declined my invita- Uon to come up here on the 22 „ Now dont think I want you to come I would not have you for the world if you did not care to- but I dont believe you know half how swell it is to be. There are four hundred invitations & more afloat over the country to all the dignitaries therein -(who are advo- cates of womans higher) education)' to be present- Many have already sent there acceptances and will probably address us on the occasion- Dr. Hopkins Bishop Huntingdon, Dr. Storrs, Col. Higginson, Gen. Tilden, Whitelaw Reid, James T. Fields- Geo. W. Curtis, Hon. Ira Harris, O.B. Frothingham James Freeman Clark & others were among the acceptances of yesterday- I was told when in Miss Terry's office the other morning that I must be sure to be back on Monday evening that the seniors would beexpected to escort the guests around and help entertain them- The rest of the College are to be excluded from the the show- A collation with speeches and toasts will be the entertainment of the evening- In Kate's letter yesterday she spoke of the "Internation" wh. is to come off In our City the same evening- and she seemed to be looking forward to it with much pleasure- There are to be one thousand aids, she tells me— Well, one thousand pretty girls all dressed up fine is a great inducement so probably you are not to blame for preferring their society to that of — say one hundred intellegent men — — What do you mean about those gentleman from Boston smoking in the Library? I never said they smoked - They probably had their cigars In the pockets- but there were so many of them we could not fail to detect cigars the oder of these after they had gone. Have you ever seen Maggie Mitchell play "Fanchon-"? It is a very cute play- we had it here the other night - and although an amateur took Fanchon's part it was sufficiently well acted and the story just sad enough in some places to bring tears to my eyes- at wh. I suppose you would laugh- you always do. I am very glad to hear that there is some hopes of your finally getting some pictures- I did not know but you had gone back mei Hoping to see you - will it be next Saturday night - (?) I will say au revoirYour friend L.S. Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75 With this I send you the Inst Miscellany Some of the articles I think are very fine but dont think you are obliged to read them just because any I send it to you - I shan't ask you about them fit shall not be the wiser.
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: January 17, 1875
Text: Vassar College Jan. 17. 1875. My dear Mr. Barns. "I wont be dictated to, you see,1' but to proceed. Your welcome letter of the was only rec*d. and as you may witness most promptly answered. Dont be entirely discouraged and think you will always, so soon, be in my debt - but as I answered all other letters yesterday and today felt some what in the writing humor, which is rather unusual, I concluded to make you my victim. Is this apology sufficient? I will consider it so an continue...
Show moreVassar College Jan. 17. 1875. My dear Mr. Barns. "I wont be dictated to, you see,1' but to proceed. Your welcome letter of the was only rec*d. and as you may witness most promptly answered. Dont be entirely discouraged and think you will always, so soon, be in my debt - but as I answered all other letters yesterday and today felt some what in the writing humor, which is rather unusual, I concluded to make you my victim. Is this apology sufficient? I will consider it so an continue by telling you how delighted I was to hear so soon and in such detail of home news. I am getting quite discouraged about myself really for it become harder for me to return every time I go away I am afraid society is having a demoralising effect upon me and the worst of it is I dont know any remedy. I dont suppose for a moment I should be contented to spend week after week and month after month in the frivolous way I spend my vacations - but when home upon such occasions as the above it is with me "eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow ye die" and I make the most of all that is going. But now I have returned to my Alma Mater and as you say that wh. was but last week a reality is fast becoming a dream. Yes it was Just about this time last Sunday when we were enjoying our "cigars up stairs'*. But why did I ever say any thing about that. Indeed it makes me quite ashamed when I think of it- ashamed that I ever entertained such selfish sentimentsand more so that I put them in words — but that is only one of a great many things I have been sorry for and I suppose it will trouble me as little after a while as the others do now. Has it been so long since you went to school that yeu have forgotten what dreadful days Mondays always are and how we all dislike them? Tou have? Well I have not - yet of all bad ones it seemed to me that of Jan. 11. was about the worst. This time it was not a fright for this or that particular lesson wh. might have been imperfectly prepaired- no the feeling was infinitely worst- I felt that the contest in that case was not for the day but would probably last until June next. Now this is a great confession for I dont think any body began to know how badly I felt about leaving. But I am very happy to say that my fears have now entirely left me- and I am looking forward to as pleasant a future as the past has been. Of course I expect to detract the pleasure afforded by the old friends who are no longer here with me, but there are those left for whom I care a great deal. A book was my sole companion on my journey back though my attention was some what attracted to a young bride & groom who by the by very soon disgusted me and I was happy to find that near me sat two Germans, (young girls) who seemed very talkative and to whose conversation I could listen with- out the least impropriety for they doubtless thought I could understand none of it. Be this as it may I was pretty interested in endeavoring tounderstand and before I quite realized it we were in N.Y. I crossed the City without difficulty and was about seating myself in an ordinary car of the Poughkeepsie train when I came to the conclusion I did not so a care to be in such close proximity with rough set as seemed to be occupying it so I picked up my things and went into a drawing room car. There I made the acquaintance of a lovely family from Albany and made my ride was thusAvery pleasant. Of course I had a great deal to tell and be told when I got to the College - one very interesting fact was; that I should surely be called upon to recite the next morning in "Mental" Think of it 32 pages in Stewart and 20 in Reed to read, besides some in Hamilton to learn - and a headache in the bargain. Well, I did not attempt it, and was not called on either, wh. I considered proof that I had done the right thing when I chose bed in stead. Probably you would smile if you could look in upon me now - trying as best I may to fill the place of Librarian. W 3th all the airs possible I am sitting at the great desk and am really very dignified. Some people think I can be if there are some that dont. The smile upon Prof. B.'s face is a little difficult to interpret. I am afraid he does not stand quite as much in awe of me as is the proper thing under as the circumstances. When I first saw him he expressed himself^so sorry not to have received Papafs note of invitation sooner. He said "I would have answered it I would have marched straight to the "City of BrotherlyLove". And dent I wish he had. If it was not real dreadful I should certainly think I liked him a very great deal. He is just splendid, wonderfully interesting and the possessor of exceedingly fascinating ausnners. The only thing is, I dont believe he thinks his wife perfection of him and I am sure I cant blame him for that. I will tell you no moreAwith the hope that you may some day be able to judge for yourself. On Thursday evening last we had a very entertaining lecture from Mrs. Livermore who was here visiting Maria Mitchell. It is needless to tell the subject of her lecture - indeed she gave none - I will only remark she had 400 attentive listeners and 400 ardent admirers— After the lecture Miss Cushing took me, with several of my class mates, upon the stage to meet her - and there before the president, and several of the teachers, imagine our embarrassment at her first question - "Well, my dear young ladies what do you propose doing when you leave here." Of course I could not tell her, before so many that I expected to study law with Mr. Hoffeskee Especially if I did not care to have the intention for publicly announced on Class day (by the prophet-) >ad in the. case of his being present, wh. is not improbably - it would be exceedingly unpleasant. So £did not say anything nor my neighbor nor hers and altogether it was a little uncomfortable and we changed the subject. On Friday evening we had a German entertainment in the HfcU wh. consisted (besides essays, songs.& scenes from Marie Stewart all in German) of a german play "Ein Respectable Gesellschaft." Pardon trans. "A Respectable Company." This company consisted of four old men and four old women all over the sixty, who were greatly opposed toAconvivalities of the present day who never sought the society of any body but themselves and who entertained them selves by getting up little plays. Well one of these old women had a neice and one of these old men had a nephew & these young people cause them a great deal of trouble and anxiety Ik finally eloped Itc-tc. but the funniest part was to see these girls whom we knew ordinarily so well, recognised dressed and acting some body else so admirably that we scarcely knew them. One of the girls Miss Lyman, from Montreal, niece of the former lady principal of the College who died here from great age, acted and looked aunt so like herAthat at first many of us hesitated as to whether it was the proper thing for us to give way to such laughter, but she became so ludicrous finally that it required more than an act of volition to stop us* When she fainted and one of the fat old men came to apply the salts wh. she had suspended from her finger by a ring and flourish her large fan - it was too much - and so is this, I must stop. Do tell me who that wonder- ful person is I met at Media - friend of the Ornes, I have not an idea. No reflection upon your description — I assure you - I guess I never met him.It Is all very well so long as not carried into excess- but you must not forget- well I most not forget either — that you always laugh at me when I attempt to preach - so I wont do It. Only dont let your "good resolution" go for naught. As I find they are observed more or less then can I say more correctless whether I have faith In you or not. I am afraid at present I have not very much. You are quite Incorrigible at least so thinks your friend Lucy Sellers. Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: January 29, 1875
Text: Vassar College Jan. 29. 1875. My deer Mr. Barns, Your letters are very nice and I do like to get themJ- Yoa always tell things In such an Interesting way, but you are rery obsti- nate and disagreeable about writing; when you blandly confess you enjoy It more than otherwise, I do think it isn't a bit fair to make me answer every solitary one- - but - I said (to myself) I was never going to say any thing to you about It again - - I dont much care though if you do know how bad I think you....
Show moreVassar College Jan. 29. 1875. My deer Mr. Barns, Your letters are very nice and I do like to get themJ- Yoa always tell things In such an Interesting way, but you are rery obsti- nate and disagreeable about writing; when you blandly confess you enjoy It more than otherwise, I do think it isn't a bit fair to make me answer every solitary one- - but - I said (to myself) I was never going to say any thing to you about It again - - I dont much care though if you do know how bad I think you. Well here it is Friday again - it hardly seems possible- I have had so much to do the time just seems to have flown. We are now In the midst of our semi-annual reviews previous to ^fryH*-"" and I tell you it is a " grind" indeed It cant really be all work you know, and you surely have heard enough about it any way to prevent your doubting its reality so I shant say wonder another word-word- upon the subject. It is a^if you were not thorough disgusted with the despondent tone of my last, so now lets begin over again and pretend I was some body else when I wrote the above. Is it possible it will be two weeks Sunday since I wrote you - My! lots of things have happened since then - I hope you wont sight, or draw a long breath or perform any other significant antic - if I begin at the very beginning. Well, I'll attempt it any how, and it may be my patience will give out first - "Who knows." The very afternoon of the day I mailed your letter I was in Miss Cushings room reading the Tribune to her. When we heard the most dreadful wise coming nearer and nearer to us- presently Mathew Vassarfs namt nsirr could be recognized in the tumult ushering the crowd along - "Gentlemen this way-" Gentlemen this way" "Our Library" &c fee- until Z got quite curious and stepped to the door to see what was going on. Actually I was frightened; I never saw so many men. (I was going to say in my life but I will add) here. 1 should cer- tainly think there wore a hundred. Boston delegate - whom M.V. evidently enjoyed showing round. After said party had vacated the Library Miss Cushing and Z took possession.— How the place did smell of cigars.1 And would you believe I was guilty of saying "how nice"? I am afraid it is only in theory Z disapprove. I may add too "in excess". And that is — well you know how many- Dear mo how silly you are about Prof. Backus. K you know them both you would ^ Just as Z do and "poor Mrs B" would not have any more of your sympathy than she has of mine. She came home yesterday and I was in to see her last night, so Z suppose Z ought not to talk so but Z dont like her and Z cant help it. The truth is Z am dreadfully sorry there is any Mrs B. for Z do think Miss Cushing would make such a splendid one. Zs it a very bad to say? if it is you must not tell any one. LastFriday evening Chapter Alpha had her first meeting in the Hall and your friend presided for the first time over a large assembly There were probably some three hundred persons present, but it was not half so hard as I had anticipated - I find that the little experience I have had every Friday evening at our ordinary meeting and that of the Dickens9 Club, has helped me wonderfully In putting me at my ease. Miss Cushing was over at the entertainment with me, and we came home together- It was then quite late and we went to our respective room - I was seated in mine but a few moments when she came back In a great excitement with a note for me to read- She had found it la her door. "My dear Miss C. Will you fc Miss S- have pity on two grass widowers Mr. Struble and myself and come play a game of Whist In Mrs. B*s sitting room. Our time Is at your disposal we will wait for you till midnight." Well after a few moments contemplation we concluded to go, and such a time as we did have getting there. It was Just about ten o'clock and teachers were popping out every where to see If the lights were out. After several dodges we got safely along to the parlor door, on the second corridor- and— well it was only one of the students who had had company and It would be hard to tell who was the most scared- so we walked along as bravely as anything until we heard some heavy footsteps behind us- we look around— mercy a meal- it was surely the President,so we just skipped around a corner and let him pass- This was our last adventure and we got there safely- but what was our surprise- we had expected to meet two gentlemen- but here were three. Mr. Three had his overcoat on and was apparently soon to leave but Prof. B. invited him to remain over night mit him where upon the gent, went out to dismiss the coach man at the door- In his absence- Prof, told us as best he could for laughing -'said gent, had stayed so long mit a certain Miss Taylor la the parlor- that he got locked in- and had come to him to help him out.1 Now this was a good enough joke la itself - but for Miss C. fe me it had a double meaning - it was this poor scared Individual whom we took for our worthy President. Well we had a good game and a good time and came home quite unmolested about twelve o'clock. The next afternoon I got perfectly desperate for a sleigh ride- and got Miss C. quite in the humor too - so I telegraphed In town for a sleigh and we mit our sisters started off. The country around Po'keepsie is always very beautiful but the hills and mountains looked especially grand to that afternoon - the day was splendid and showed them off their best advantage. I had been especially stupid all day previous to the ride - (now dont say it was the effects of the night before) but now I felt quite in the humor of attending a lecture to be given in the Chapel at 5 P.M. by Madame Roch - on "The Men and Women of the Revolution". The subjectwas one of special interest to me as I was reading Carlyle*s Revolu- tions, and the facts I heard did much to heighten my interest. — Saturday morning. Other people you see are also prevent some times from accomplishing what they set out to do. A committee meeting call me yesterday I suppose I had better not remark again that I am Librarian or you will think Miss Cushing has vacated entirely - but here I am taking her place temporarily while she attends a meeting of the Floral Society. I want to thank you for your very kind invitation for nd the 22 11 & 23 of next month. I am going to be very airy and say it would give me great pleasure to accept but a previous engagement prevents my doing so- Did I not tell you I expected to go to Brooklyn on the afternoon of the 19^ and stay until the evening of the 22*$ at wh. time I want to be back at the College to attend a sort of house warming over in our new buildings- I have understood it is going to be very nice- Prof. B. is going to make a speech I believe. I have also heard rumor that we are to have a band but I real know very little about it. But it seems to me if we might reverse matters and you come to Brooklyn you might come up here for Monday night and still be able to be in Pfcfta- for the 2ar,? "What do you say" Have you ever met Miss Liver more- Mr Glendennings friend? Well I expect to stay with her one night before going to Miss Jackson. Miss Cushing and Miss Alice Brown are going with me- and youdont know what a good time we old girl are anticipating when we get together again. Are you aware how lavish you were mit your compliments in your last- indeed I feel quite flattered- innocent, ignorant, owlish. Anything. •. (incomplete, (Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75,
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: May 23, 1875
Text: Vassar College. May 23. 1875. My dear Mr. Barns, Today is Sunday and a very hot day it is too- I suppose I ought to be at Church but in my endeavors to keep cool concluded to write to you instead. I expected to have sent you a letter yesterday. It was not a boat ride up the river however, that prevented though I have that pleasure in store for me very soon. Last evening in Class meeting, the sec*y read an invitation from the Class of *76 to spend the afternoon of Thursday May 27 at West Point...
Show moreVassar College. May 23. 1875. My dear Mr. Barns, Today is Sunday and a very hot day it is too- I suppose I ought to be at Church but in my endeavors to keep cool concluded to write to you instead. I expected to have sent you a letter yesterday. It was not a boat ride up the river however, that prevented though I have that pleasure in store for me very soon. Last evening in Class meeting, the sec*y read an invitation from the Class of *76 to spend the afternoon of Thursday May 27 at West Point. This was to have been a great surprise to us- but unfortunately we learned through the papers that the Mary Powell had been chartered by the Juniors for this purpose. They were so pleased with what we did last year that they did not vary the programme very much. You must not forget you promised to take me out some time when I come home- it is not well to be rash you see, for you have to suffer the consequences. Our little lake those some what diminutive affords us consider- able pleasure- It looks lovely Just at present and Miss Cushing and I go out nearly every morning immediately after breakfast. 1 must ask you to congratulate me - I have read my essay in Chapel - After Prof. Backus , had once seen it I did not mind it half as much as a even I had expected. In fact I did not take the papers upon the stage with me I onlythe topics upon a card and delivered it. Now dont you think that was brave? I had the most peculiar feeling when I was up there I did not think I was myself and am not quite positive that it was I yet. My room mate Miss Gouldy has gone home (to Newburgh) to spend Sunday. The last X heard her say was - "to think I cant hear Mr. Longacre." The other day I told her of his success in the spelling bee and also that with you were acquainted with him- She thought it very disrespectful that you should call him the "Rev. Andy" and unkind a bore all things to tell his wife of our profound admiration for him. But I thought to myself you dont know G.T.B. if you*d expect any thing different. If it is not too warm hear when I come home I have promised Miss G. to go and hear him and report when I come back. Do you know when Ella Burtis is to be married? I wonder if I will be home or not. At present I expect to come home about the 9th or 10 of June and I dont know but sooner. I have been enjoying my College work so much lately that I hesitate leav- ing any sooner than is necessary. I had proposed remaining a few days after our vacation to work in the Laboratory we are now engaged silvering etching* moulding end electroplating. It is something difficult to persue after leaving and as I am very much interested in the subject wish to make the most of my opportunities. The other morning in Physiology we disected a cat. What must be thebeauty of the human mechanism! At first I hesitated somewhat at being present but did not find myself affected at all as I had feared. I have not half the horror of the dissecting room I once had.— but I guess we wont talk about this any more. Now comes the sad news. The past few days have been very trying ones to many of us, as one of our number been has been suddenly taken from our midst. You may have heard Kate speak of her - Miss Joe Shepard, she was a friend of hers, a most charm- ing girl and one whom any one of us would have pronounced the strongest girl in College had we been questioned a week ago. Health, happiness, and wealth — it seemed as though she had every thing to live for- This, the first decade of our College had never before witnessed the death of a collegiate student. Since this occurrence the most appalling silence has reigned over the institution. Every mark of respect has been paid by the students that was in their power, and her loss will be sadly felt among us. Four weeks from this very time we will be listening to our baccalaureate sermon. Things are coming to an end so soon that we all begin to see the sad side of them. I know I shall be ashamed of myself commencement and shall probably however disgrace the class. I am going to be careful however and have you seated some where behind me so that you cant do any thing more than imagine what is going on. I heard you snubbed one of my friends on Chestnut Street the other dayArent you ashamed of yourself. So you are going to spell in another bee- I guess you wont go down on "noxious" again positively I am afraid to come home for fear they will get me in some of those dreadful things - and what makes it harder they expect a Vassar graduate to know so much that it is perfectly discouraging. It is comforting to know how- ever, than every one is not so deluded. Your friend Lucy Sellers Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, *75
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: October 18, 1874
Text: Oct. 18, 1874, …[per]fectly happy. I thought I should be perfectly miserably to be here at all this year without '74 - but I have managed, even with the loss of Helen Lough in addition, to spend some of the pleasantest times I know of in V.C. The studying thus far has been comparatively easy and we have had a good deal of leisure time for pleasanter occupation. Nearly every evening we have a sewing bee, upon a small scale in our room and one of the girls reads aloud making the evening...
Show moreOct. 18, 1874, …[per]fectly happy. I thought I should be perfectly miserably to be here at all this year without '74 - but I have managed, even with the loss of Helen Lough in addition, to spend some of the pleasantest times I know of in V.C. The studying thus far has been comparatively easy and we have had a good deal of leisure time for pleasanter occupation. Nearly every evening we have a sewing bee, upon a small scale in our room and one of the girls reads aloud making the evening pass very quickly. Our senior parlor, which by the way, looks very well not withstanding the fun you made of me about it, is a real good place to waste time- Yes I freely confess I have been lazy but at the same time I think it nothing (done my, more than fair I should be if I want to- I have done my duty here faithfully for four years and its time I "let up" a little. Of course I have quantities of outside work to do, I never knew the time when I didn't. I am only on four committees at present— but I rather enjoy it. We are now getting scenery for our new Hall. I tell you we are going to be very fine some of these days- You must come up and see the wonderful improvements. Couldn't you, in your numerous trips to N.Y. find time to get a little further. The longer my friends put off visiting me the more I will have to show them when they do arrive and this is my consolation. Until this year I never knew there were so many pretty places around here. I can't this tell how many miles I have walked this fall the air has been so exhilaratingOct. 18, 1874 - 2 and the views so grand that we would hate to return back. We have in our various perambulations, come across several cider mills, where you would have been surprised, probably shocked, to have seen us stop they and refresh ourselves. It is just jolly to be a Senior they have so much better times than other folks I would not have missed the good times I have had this year for any thing. Why do you always say I am home sick - it makes me very indignant - if you were writing to Lizzie that might probably have been appropriate - but I certainly have had enough experience to dispel all such ideas. Lizzie has not forgotten your apple, but she dont think she has found one sufficiently large yet. She has not the privilege of trotting round through the orchards as her sister - but then you know it was not to come from me. The introduction of whist at this stage of my course is an enjoyment before unknown in these premises. Prof. Backus invited me in their house to have a game in the early part of the year and I have been going very frequently since I have lots of fun and the girls in my parlor are fearfully jealous of me - which enlivens things considerably. I expect, after all this you will think I might as well be home, for all the studying I do- but I assure you it is not the case- Listen if you please to one sentence in our Mental Philosophy for tomorrow and say you dont blame me for spending — 2 1 well I wont say how long on it before I (clearly) (got the idea) into my headOct. 18, 1874 - 3 "For as doubt is itself only a manifestation of consciousness, it is impossible to doubt that, when consciousness manifests, it does mani- fest, without, in thus doubting, doubting that we actually doubt." My gracious, I have a fearful... [incomplete] Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, 75,
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: Sep. 21, 1870
Text: Vassar College September 21st, 1870 Dear Howard- I received your very Interesting note the other morn- ing while I was studying my latin but as I now have graduated from school and entered College- I had an opportunity to read it as soon as I got It, for so long as we know our lessons It makes no difference when we learn them. It seems so funny to me that we do not go to school at 9 o'clock and sit at our desks until two. All the time I have a teacher with me Is when I recite my lessons-...
Show moreVassar College September 21st, 1870 Dear Howard- I received your very Interesting note the other morn- ing while I was studying my latin but as I now have graduated from school and entered College- I had an opportunity to read it as soon as I got It, for so long as we know our lessons It makes no difference when we learn them. It seems so funny to me that we do not go to school at 9 o'clock and sit at our desks until two. All the time I have a teacher with me Is when I recite my lessons- the first which is algebra I say at 10 1/2 o'clock and when It Is over I go back to my room and do as I please until twelve and then I say my latin which I get through with just In time for my dinner and at I say another latin lesson for lam studying It double hard this year. Every day we have the greatest fun at the table about eating, for we all like tho brown bread so much bettor than while and we keep the poor girl on the go the whole time, and the fun of it Is that she can't save her steps and bring a great quantity at once for she Is only allowed just so much. At dinner all of us try and guess what we are going to have for dessert but we very rarely guess right for they have tho queerest things that I never hoard of before such as whole peaches with the skins on made up in a great big pie in a dish about a foot deep. The old girls say that Is nothing to equal tho "Yellow Dish" a name they have given something that we have not yet seen. Yesterday I was out walking (for we are all obliged to exercise an hour a day In the open air) and when I was coming home I happened to look a little to the right and there I saw a runaway. It was a carriage turning over and over and the horse was running at Its full speed. Miss Raymond (Proffer's daughter) was In but did not stay there long. She was not hurt very badly but bruised her head some, It was the third time she had been run away with by that horse, so I judge she won't try it very soon again. Oh Howard you have no idea how good they try to make us here- we actually are obliged to pray, eleven times on Sunday and nine every other day. We also are trying to make each other more orderly by having a penny to pay for every little thing we lay down out of place in the parlor. We have a piece of paper with all the girls names on it who are fa* our parlor and put a stroke down for each thing- and when we get a good many down, we are going to buy something real pretty for the room. You must let the rest of the family know that I am flourishing for it is impos- sible for me to write so often now, since we have begun to study. Darkness is over shadowing these pages, so I must stop. With love to you all, I am- As ever, Lucy Lucy (Sellers) Banes, '75
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: June 4, 1872
Text: Vassar June. 4. 72. Tuesday evening. My dear Mother, Your very kind letter expressing such sympathy on my behalf on account of my room mate next year, came to hand yesterday and met with a warm welcome - The only think I can do will be to draw a double room for the single are all taken by the coming Junior Class- and the question is whether I shall ask, taking it and keeping it open for Kate - as I think it very doubtful if she will be able to pass in her Rhetoric, and I don't think it...
Show moreVassar June. 4. 72. Tuesday evening. My dear Mother, Your very kind letter expressing such sympathy on my behalf on account of my room mate next year, came to hand yesterday and met with a warm welcome - The only think I can do will be to draw a double room for the single are all taken by the coming Junior Class- and the question is whether I shall ask, taking it and keeping it open for Kate - as I think it very doubtful if she will be able to pass in her Rhetoric, and I don't think it would be unselfish if I take a good room mate now when I have a chance instead of waiting on the uncertainly, and then have some horrid thing put in with me for most likely Kate can have a very nice single room for if she don't so draw it, Dr Avery will give her one because she has been sick so much So if Joe Jewell and I draw on the same corridor we think of rooming together. We have never been very intimate but are good friends, she is a very nice little thing, perfectly healthy, and as neat as wax. I have seen her mother and like her very much. And since I have been lead to speak of her I will hear ask your permission to accept an invitation from her which has been of long standing. It is that I may go home with her on Friday immediately after our examination and stay until Monday after noon. She has invited eight of us and I think we will have a Jolly time. She is going to have a party on Saturday evening and there (I mean at the College) will be ever so many Yale fellows there, who leave soon after. Her Mother has sent us a very cordial invitation and written Miss Terry a very nice note asking permission to have us leave College- as we will be back in time for any of the entertainments- Since the new rail road has been built it only takes four hours to go- I want to have you say I may very much- and if you come to this conclusion will you send me a note to Miss Terry- While I think of it I must tell you that Kate has had all her hair cut off- She is going with a party to N.Y. to spend the time I want to spend at Joe's- When you come up here you will need a real nice dress and don't hesitate to bring it because I can send It home in my trunk if you don't want to take it with us traveling- Mamma what can I wear traveling in? My brown suit has no sacque and I have nothing else suitable; from present appearances it don't seem like I can wear a linen suit. My dolly Varden hat will not be
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: June 9, 1872
Text: Vassar, Under the woods under trees. Sunday afternoon June 9. 1872. My dear Parents; In the noon matt yesterday I received letters from both of you much to my delight as I could not bear to have the week pass with out them. Last Friday evening we had a chapter meeting for the nomination of officers* which are to be voted upon next week—I was put up for secretary but have no idea that I shall ever fill that office... I will however be better able to tell you after that time. Saturday the...
Show moreVassar, Under the woods under trees. Sunday afternoon June 9. 1872. My dear Parents; In the noon matt yesterday I received letters from both of you much to my delight as I could not bear to have the week pass with out them. Last Friday evening we had a chapter meeting for the nomination of officers* which are to be voted upon next week—I was put up for secretary but have no idea that I shall ever fill that office... I will however be better able to tell you after that time. Saturday the Sophomore fe Juniors were all pretty busy— The Sophs,on a account of the party given to the Frosh- and the Juniors on account of the same - for the Seniors- Just before Chapel some of us were privileged to see the College Parlors which the Juniors had fixed ap for their entertainment. Really I never saw them look so lovely- before -They For the first time since the college was furnished took home Ctct down the old pictures of Mr. Vassar's home &ct. and in their place had some of the handsomest pictures In college. They had two harps made of flowers beside ever so many large boquets &ct. In the center of the two rooms they had large balls of ferns- Then too they had the grand piano from the Presidents house in there— All the faculty were invited and from all accounts they had a splendid time— In room J. which opens Into the parlors — they had their table. It was all fixed up too— They had hot & cold supper both and very even allowed wine, just think of that for Yassar. About 3 o'clock we, the Sophs & Fresh- went over to the Gymnasium were we were rec'd. by Miss Cushlng president of the Sophs. From the minute I entered the hall I knew I would have a splendid time for immediately upon entering the room we were handed printed programs lor dancing and upon the plantform sat two musicians besides the pianist I could not keep my feet still— the music was so splendid. The Soph were Just as attentive as could be and did every tfrfag they could to make us enjoy our selves. In Hie society hall refreshments were served from 8.30 - 9.30 The table was set along the platform - which !s very low- and in the room small tables were set which held two or three- Several of the Sophs were waitress and looked too pretty for anything they all wore white and on their shoulders long streamers of the College colors... After we danced a long while we sang College songs accompanied by the music- ft was Just splendid and I dont think I ever enjoyed my self more since I have been in College. We stayed up until nearly twelve. . how is that for Vaasar? I hope next year we the class of '75 my make it as pleasant for '76 as '74 has for us. Yesterday Immediately after dinner we had our class elections- which resulted as follows- Miss Lough - pres. Miss Kellog Vice Pres.- Miss Buffington Sec- Miss Hollister Trea. I don't suppose I need reiterate about our rooms la this letter as no doubt you have received my last telling you the decision and when I get hold of you I am going to ask for some thing real elegant for my room because you know I will be here for three years after this- some thing perfectly lovely. This morning I was in Sue's room and she wanted to know that ti Saliie Herman came to our house whether she might come up to Vassar with you- as Mrs Herman cannot come up- and Victors is coming with 3 or 4 young gentlemen so that it would not be pleasant for either part if she came with him-- X know you would only be happy of her company but Sue insisted upon my asking you the question— X have been able to get tickets for Auntie and Howard. As yet I am unable to inform you as to "Original sir &ct— but will endeavor to find cut who wrote it— Affec- & loving Lucy- Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75Mrs. John Sellers Jr 3300 Arch Street West Phila Penn @
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: May 28, 1872
Text: Vassar, May 28 '72 Wednesday Afternoon My dear Mother, Since I wrote to Papa yesterday- there has been a great excitement going on here - Last evening in Chapel the Pres. told us that the distribution of room this year would be some what different from here to fore. Viz., The Preps, are to be entirely distinct from the rest of collegiate That they are to occupy the north end of the building with the exception of the second Corridor, which is for seniors exclusively-— They will then be...
Show moreVassar, May 28 '72 Wednesday Afternoon My dear Mother, Since I wrote to Papa yesterday- there has been a great excitement going on here - Last evening in Chapel the Pres. told us that the distribution of room this year would be some what different from here to fore. Viz., The Preps, are to be entirely distinct from the rest of collegiate That they are to occupy the north end of the building with the exception of the second Corridor, which is for seniors exclusively-— They will then be granted many more privileges which we cannot enjoy. They will not have any corridor teacher, but have her room which is quite large - for a Senior Parlor- reading room or what ever they choose to make it- is it not splendid- The south end of the building Is than left for the Juniors, Sophs & Fresh- I think this plan Is splendid- it will make the Preps far more ambitious I and then too there Is something for us all to look forward to when we are Seniors as It has been heretofore the Preps hare exactly the same regulations that the vary highest classes do. But now to the sad part of the story- Katie will not be Fresh at the end of tills year, and consequently will not be able to draw with the to regular Classes, and what am I to do for a room mate. Annie Brown and Joe Jewell have both asked me to room with them but I don't think I want to, although they are both very glee- Guss will be Fresh- but I don't think we would get along very well for we both like our own way too much- and I am afraid we might not be such good friends if we room together No- I want a single room - and I don't believe I can get it. To-morrow I am in a perfect stew- We draw for our choice-day and then excitement will be a little cooled down I suppose. When you come up Commencement you will not see the college so full as usual- for last night in Chapel- the President said in the coolest manner that the Preps -might be excused Immediately after their examinations as their room would be needed more than their company. If however there were individual cases where they particularly desired to stay they must send In a note stating it to Miss Terry - I do not know what Kate or Guss are going to do - for I have not asked them. I am so glad I am not a Poor Prep- Don't you hope I will be fortunate in my choice for a room? I am afraid you will become .. . by so many long letters in one week-but I don't think I shall - for I am not often favored with more than one. Affec - Lucy. [Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75]Mrs. John Sellers Jr. 3300 Arch Street West Phila, Penna
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: June 16, 1872
Text: Vassar June 16, 1872 Sunday afternoon My dear Parents, After carefully considering the several letters which I have received from you of late, and after reading and re-reading the letters returned to me and after thinking much upon the subject of my newly formed correspondence X came to the conclusion, that it was I who acted in an unlady like manner and have written a note apologising for my conduct and asking If I might not at least deserve respect since I could no longer have a place In...
Show moreVassar June 16, 1872 Sunday afternoon My dear Parents, After carefully considering the several letters which I have received from you of late, and after reading and re-reading the letters returned to me and after thinking much upon the subject of my newly formed correspondence X came to the conclusion, that it was I who acted in an unlady like manner and have written a note apologising for my conduct and asking If I might not at least deserve respect since I could no longer have a place In the affections I put nothing In my letter that called for an answer - so I do not whether to expect any reply or not. ln my last Sunday's letter I told you of the Junior party to the Seniors and how beautifully they had the parlors fixed— Last evening we had our last sociable In the same place and with out describing how the rooms looked I may give you some idea how lovely they were when I say that the Juniors confessed themselves entirely out done I never had so good a time at any sociable before. After most were assembled Miss McBain our class historian stood just between the two parlors - in a little place all dropped In flowers where she read our famous Class History to us - It was perfectly comical from beginning to end every body m the room just was kept In a continual laugh After she finished Ella Seidel took her place and read us the loveliest poem. I can't tell you what it was like but it made every person seem breathless it was so pretty. The poem was followed by the prophesy reed by Miss Maltby— she was very (unusual?) in her very many different predictions. And so she took pains to slight no one she made her self a great deal of trouble for by the time you got to the 76th person I should imagine that your wits would be quite at a loss to prophesy for the 77th. Suppose it may interest you to hoar what she... Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: March 17, 1872
Text: Vassar College. March 17. 1872. My dear Parents) Daily hare I look for a letter from you in answer to my inquiries about going home, but have been thus far disappointed, however by this time next week 1 suppose all matters will be settled and X w£U be in great excitement, with the hopes of starting for 3300 the following Wednesday. And when X get there I have some thing to ask you which X could not think of putting on paper for X dont think X can write with nearly so much effect. This last...
Show moreVassar College. March 17. 1872. My dear Parents) Daily hare I look for a letter from you in answer to my inquiries about going home, but have been thus far disappointed, however by this time next week 1 suppose all matters will be settled and X w£U be in great excitement, with the hopes of starting for 3300 the following Wednesday. And when X get there I have some thing to ask you which X could not think of putting on paper for X dont think X can write with nearly so much effect. This last word puts me in mind of an Essay X wrote yesterday and which as been distressing me for the longest while, (vis) What kind of prose composition has the most effect upon man kind fc Why. X took fiction because most read- I dont know how this will coincide with your ideas upon the subject. On Friday evening of this week as we had a lecture from Mr. Parsons - on Michael Angelo, Chapter Beta would not be able to give her long looked for "swell" Opera of "The Doctor of Alcanlaia" (which if youremember we heard at the 7*^ Street Theatre by Mr Ghilehirst and Bishop he) To this Chapter asked the Sophomore if they would be will- ing to have a Candy pull in the Steward's Department the next night instead of their usual sociable so that the wonderful opera might have the Kail This the Sophs- agreed upon and so Zeta flourished never was the Hall so full in fact packed. I sat about in the middle of the room Mar. 17, 1872 - 2 and so tightly packad that I could hardly stir- when Liaxie asked me how X should feel If there should be a fire imagine my comfort. All the Invited guests and not the admitted without theirtickets- All the ; ; J u ; , , i i ' ■ , . , ;'. ' I , ' , 1 ; , profs, every teacher together with the Pres fc lady prin- were present. The principal performers were greatly applauded and were showed with tit } , ',' .' t ' ■ t 1 i flowers from the audience — This Opera- cannot not be compared • ' * i < ; I l ' . ' J " v 1 ■ ' , i I ' with our Drama The Lady of Lyons - being so entirely different Neither could they have been visa versa for Beta has the Singers and Alpha - excels in dramatic tallent.—— Do tell Aunt Pattie for me that X Intended writing to her to day but find it now impossible so that X will have the pleasure of seeing her before my next letter With lov~ to all believe me Aff- Daughter Lucy Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75March 17th, 1872 Lucy Sellers Re an Essay on what kind of prose has the greatest effect on mankind
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: March 7, 1872
Text: Vassar College, March 1. 1872. My dear Parents; Since last I wrote to you concerning my health very little of interest has happened* though we have had a holiday.--day of prayer for colleges---which we spent mostly la the Chapel. On Friday evening last In Chapter Alpha X took the part of a Puritan — Imagine me with my hair parted and combed down over my ears- It was The Courtship of Miles Standish In a phantomime X was one of the friends who attended the wedding of Priscilla. We had a...
Show moreVassar College, March 1. 1872. My dear Parents; Since last I wrote to you concerning my health very little of interest has happened* though we have had a holiday.--day of prayer for colleges---which we spent mostly la the Chapel. On Friday evening last In Chapter Alpha X took the part of a Puritan — Imagine me with my hair parted and combed down over my ears- It was The Courtship of Miles Standish In a phantomime X was one of the friends who attended the wedding of Priscilla. We had a splendid critique read my Miss Hellister praising the Lady of Lynd up to the highest degree and not forgetting to draw attention to the beautiful costumes which we worked so hard over, come X have Inst from the weekly service to which Kate desired a me to accompany her - they are very pleasant and I think the forms and ceremonies rather facinatlag though perhaps In time they would become • I i j t i . ' i 1 * ■> 1 monotonous. Yesterday I received a perfectly lovely letter from aunt Pattie who by this time I suppose has returned home, as she told me she intended to leave Ws^hington In a day or two after she wrote me. I do enjoy her little letters so much for they give me so much to think about- Think- I am almost Inclined to believe this Is my hobby- I am almost sure X do more of it than a great many persons put together - bat X almost wish X didn't for X don't think X am any the happier for it: then Mar. 1, 1872 - 2 too I worry too much—a fault which although Sue coadems strongly is vary per ceptable in her- I wish people were not like they are- I wish we were constructed in such a way that these two elements, ty^^g .nd worrying were never known. Still X mast not complain nr^A try as best I can to overcome some of my prevailing faults for X am conscious of many. Hoping that the next time X write I will not be in such a slough of despond and may be more interesting I am as ever your loving daughter Lucy.Sue wishes me particularly to give you her love, aad la juite indignant because 1 forgot It last Sunday. My finger being stiff accounts for the stiffness of penmanship as I spent part of this afternoon fencing In the Corridor with Minnie Monroe as Miss Goodsell our corridor teacher Is In N.Y. for a few days.Bettor late than never I suppose * X much to my surprise found this letter la my desk which X supposed mailed last Monday morning - such carelessness I detest. LucySunday Evening- Fearing that to day X would not have time to write you X determined to Mar. 1, 1872 * 3 write last night in order to make sure of my home letter- but having Just read it over I cannot let such a sober horrid thing leave me when new X am in such a different humor The fact any body must be very rry^ out of sort U this lovely day does not make them feel splendid- X do not remember when X have enjoyed a sunday more* It seems more old ftifh^ and cosy like those at home- This morning we listened to a Sermon from Tames Beecher brother of Henry Ward. I dent think this particularly added to the pleasures of the day for me, as X did not like him at all though some of the congregation were very much pleased- The Afternoon being very I enjoyed a long walk of two hours - very much indeed- and having agreeable company X did'nt dream of its being ov~r one half hour wish is all required on the Sabbath day. (After my walk X had an engagement to go see one of the girl - who had promised to road to me- "Nannie It Our Boys" written by Miss Gertrude Mead a graduate of *70— This very interesting book - to gether with a compari- ttvely soft bed made the Afternoon pass very quickly. And the evening finds me writing a good night to my dear Father and Mother from this daughter. (Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75,
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: May 12, 1872
Text: Vassar, May 12. 1872 Sunday Afternoon. My dear Parents, Since my last letter we have had a very great change in the weather so that instead of having Chapel immediately after supper, we are given 3/4 of hour to walk. It is such a delightful time that every body sets out and it is a beautiful sight to see the ground covered with so many persons all in their light dress, for we cannot stand thick ones any longer The first part of last week it was announced to the Seniors and Juniors, that there...
Show moreVassar, May 12. 1872 Sunday Afternoon. My dear Parents, Since my last letter we have had a very great change in the weather so that instead of having Chapel immediately after supper, we are given 3/4 of hour to walk. It is such a delightful time that every body sets out and it is a beautiful sight to see the ground covered with so many persons all in their light dress, for we cannot stand thick ones any longer The first part of last week it was announced to the Seniors and Juniors, that there wasparty from the College invited to Lake Mohunk to stay from Friday until Monday and that they could all go if they wished. Very few declined the invitation. It cost only $ 1.50. They were to go in waggons which hold eighteen and Mr. Campbell made was to take our provisions as there was not any arrangements^for it. All to were expecting to have a most delightful time — but owing-the-the long absence of rain the roads were very dusty and the President thought it best to post pone the visit until Friday of this week which is not so pleasant for the Sophmores and Freshmen as they in consequence are disappointed in their visit to the same place — which will now not come off for two weeks Dont you think it will be splendid for us 7 Last night Alice Wetmore read her Senior essay before the chapel, it was quite good* she was dreadfully frightened of course but got through very nicely. After silent time that same evening Chapter Delta had an May 12, 1872 - 2 entertainment in Society Hall "Twelth Knight" which was very fully attended and a great success. The other day Miss Terry announced that all the young ladies who wanted company Commencement must put their names in the box tomorrow but that the number is limited we being able to invite only two Class Day - & only our Parents com- mencement day, so if Howard comes it will be on the risk but I guess you can get him smuggled in - for he isnt very large. Yesterday I got the loveliest book — entitled Within and Without - sent by express from New York - It is all marked in different parts and without any name I rather think it is from Aunt Potter for it looked like her hand writing. I wish you would ask if it is she for it would be very embarassing if I should write and thank her for some body elses present It has some perfectly beautiful parts much too pretty to be enjoyed unthanked Please also ask Aunty if she... (incomplete, (Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75,
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: May 19, 1872
Text: Vassar, May 19, 1872 Sunday Afternoon My dear Parents I really don't know what to put down first or how to commence A hut as Aunt Alice always used to say Just put the point of the pen to paper and inspiration will move it- I have Just been writing Dr R- a note in thanks for "Within & Without" as you'll see from the letter I enclose that he Is the donor. The poor I believe must have attempted to swallow the dictionary but his attempt was not as successful as it might...
Show moreVassar, May 19, 1872 Sunday Afternoon My dear Parents I really don't know what to put down first or how to commence A hut as Aunt Alice always used to say Just put the point of the pen to paper and inspiration will move it- I have Just been writing Dr R- a note in thanks for "Within & Without" as you'll see from the letter I enclose that he Is the donor. The poor I believe must have attempted to swallow the dictionary but his attempt was not as successful as it might have been since I am able as you see to correct one of his "high sounders." Last Wednesday evening the Cecelia Society accompanied by Messrs Bergner & Waits, from New York entertained us with a very fine concert in the Chapel- a great many persons were out from Poughkeepsie making it very pleasant- Sue was one of the Ushers and looked ever so pretty. On Friday a part &, of about 70 left College in big carriage loads for Lake Mohunk where they enjoyed themselves to the full until Saturday night end then they returned by moon light They have been telling so so much about the various beauties and delight of their trip and that the rest of us can hardly wait until the end of the week - that we may also experience it. I am dreadfully sorry Kate cannot go - but that you see Is the misfortune of being a Pre p. I will new try and state very precisely the day and date for your next visit to Vassar as you must have over looked it In one of my former letters as I am sure I told you- I want you to leave home Monday (the 24 of June) In time to get up to the College in time for the Concert that evening. The next morning you will be invited to the Gymnastic show and then the riding school will next fall beneath your notice. The afternoon will be devoted to Class day exrercises- and the evening an address to the Philalethean society- the following day being commencement. Do you think the programme inviting enough for your attempt to come?- Well really- I gave Lucy Keen credit for more sense- than ever to give Sam Woolman a thought but there Is no use talking I suppose I really sympathise with poor Lizzie if she has to ride Nellie I sure I'd "go for something better" If IX were In her place- It's Just enough to discuss her with a horse forever.- Don't leave It till Saturday before writing to your affect Daugh, Lucy. Lucy (Sellers) Barnes Enclosure: Letter from H. C. Register 907 Walnut St Phila May 18 My dear friend Miss Lucy, Your kind remembrance in form of "Vassar Miscellany" came to and yesterday. I have read with pleasure and profit several of its articles, and am happy to congratulate the College and members of the Senior and Junior Copes [?] in their new enterprise. The establishment of such a Journal at once speaks in unmistakeable terms the achievement of knowledge! I speak for it a very good old age; and as each successive year unfolds the ever living present May the tree of knowledge bud and blossom in fruitful language upon its pages; and annual often annual companion of ... a ... and honored "a priori" because swelled into one ... of adherents, and make the "Miscellany" their standard-bearer -- champion affright and proper, even to live in thee. The arts of old and young doing good work for the common alma mater; and standing a monument of honor to its founders and ... Hoping you and Miss Patty are well and with kind encumbrance. I am yours truly, H.C. Register Miss Lucy Sellers, "Vassar College." N.B.: I wish you ... some of the beautiful thoughts in Mr. D's "With & Without."
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: May 26, 1872
Text: Vassar, May 26 72 My dear Parents, Your kind wish for us with regard to Lake Mohunk has come to pass- and we are again settled in our "Vassar Home. Last Friday at noon we all assembled In the College parlors and from there a 160 of us started in different conveyances- There were 4 or 5 large Waggons and several carriages. We were in a party of six and happened to get a very comfortable carriage. We had so much rain during the week that the roads were very nice for driving. We (all in our...
Show moreVassar, May 26 72 My dear Parents, Your kind wish for us with regard to Lake Mohunk has come to pass- and we are again settled in our "Vassar Home. Last Friday at noon we all assembled In the College parlors and from there a 160 of us started in different conveyances- There were 4 or 5 large Waggons and several carriages. We were in a party of six and happened to get a very comfortable carriage. We had so much rain during the week that the roads were very nice for driving. We (all in our load) sent to Smiths for different things so we might not be come exhausted on the way for we did not expect to get there until 7 o'clock. We sang & carried on high all the time and had a Jolly time. We were among the first to start and got there some time before six so that we had time to go up the mountain to Sky Top where we had a beautiful view of the country We were able to see 5 states- (Vermont, Mass. N.Y. Penna, N.J.) Some among our party were obliged to leave earlier that the others, on account of being waitresses that evening at tea. We could not take servants with us and so we had to turn in to them ourselves— I waited, under Miss Fisher as heed waitress at the sane table with Lissie. It was lots of fun, the Profs & Pres. Miss Morse - Mrs. Raymond- Miss Terry and lets ever so many teachers were here and they seemed quite proud of our first attempts. It was not very nice to clear up and especially to wait till about nine before getting anything your self. After tea we had some dancing and about 10 1/2 (whoa the moon was out, we wen out rowing. It was perfectly splendid. It was such a comfort to be out of hearing of bells and be able to go to bod when one wanted why really we didn't feel anywhere within thousands of miles of Vasser. Next morning we got up early and went to all the places around It was dreadful climbing but I enjoyed It. I climbed up the Crevice although Prof.Orton advised us not to, and of coarse when got up through safely, we felt quite victorious, for last week the seniors & Juniors had to have two Profs. to drag them through soma of the places. About 12 o'clock we had dinner up on the top of a Mount 150 ft. high - (I did not envy the waitresses that time) We started for Vaasar - la the afternoon about 5 and got home real late after a very jolly time. This morning I felt real stiff and tired after so much unaccustomed exertion but it Is very natural I should. I cant say, at present, that I think Monday's lesson will prove a success - The other day I sent Mr. Brooks a "Miscellany" and a few days afterward a note canoe from Mrs B- thanking me for so kindly remembering her. A joke. Eh? X have hoard nothing from Mr. Buckman,-and-so perhaps he did not get his. When X came home last night I found quite a large box of Whitmans, sent to me by express from Phila - the handwriting looked very familiar, so before opening I stormed around for a little, to think of having to thank the "old thing" when much to my surprise the enclosed card said Compliments of Fred H. Andrews - wasn't he kind he sent Kate one too - But didn't I feel like a fool for my mistake. Also much to my surprise I got a very lovely and lengthy letter from Pattie Semple a few days ago (it was her birthday) I sent her my card & written on the back was - "My sincere wishes for many happy returns of the day." I did not know what to expect in return but I got a very nice letter which I fear will not rec'd. Such a very nice answer. In reply to your question about my lilac silk*- It Is Just as you last saw it for I have not yet had it on. I am perfectly satisfied to still wear it over my black silk and get a whole dress some other time for you know lilac Is not a very becoming color to me But of course I am willing to do Just as you think best about it. Can't you always write to me on Thursday for I will then get your letter Saturday and be able to read It more satisfactorily for on Friday afternoons I have a recitation right after dinner mad am always a little fidgety unless I study before It. With love to all, I am as ever your daug[hter]. Lucy. Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75Mrs. John Sellers Jr. 3300 Arch Street West Phila, Penna
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Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Date: May 31, 1872
Text: Vassar, May 31 72 Sunday Afternoon. My dear Parents; Since my last letter I have heard nothing from you- I don't think it pays to write you throe time in one week for I have not rec'd even one letter. Howard was kind enough to favor me, as he acknowledged, partly to escape a scolding so on tho whole I don't feel very much flattered. Last Friday evening we had a union meeting of the three Chapters in the Society Hall - which was very enjoyable- It was not as the other meeting...
Show moreVassar, May 31 72 Sunday Afternoon. My dear Parents; Since my last letter I have heard nothing from you- I don't think it pays to write you throe time in one week for I have not rec'd even one letter. Howard was kind enough to favor me, as he acknowledged, partly to escape a scolding so on tho whole I don't feel very much flattered. Last Friday evening we had a union meeting of the three Chapters in the Society Hall - which was very enjoyable- It was not as the other meeting usually are - but rather a social gathering tho exercised of the evening were all literary, and after they were all over we were invited to a very handsome entertainment given by the Committee. We then finished the evening with a dance. The next morning immediately after Silent time a meeting of the Students Association was called for the election of officers for the ensuing year. We had a dreadful time, were there the whole morning went and only elected the Pres. & Vice Pres.- Immediately after dinner we had a meeting of Philalethean and the officers wore chosen without any trouble after that the Junior & Sophomore Classes had their elections. As you are not acquainted with the young ladles who fill the offices I will only mention that Miss Monroe Is President of the StudentsLettie Stow Pres. of her Class & Lizzie Barrett is class Historian (Lizzie is quite offended that you called her Miss Barrett In your note being obliged for It and sends you a deal of love.) We have our elections next Saturday but I am only sure of never getting anything while I am la the class of '75 and as I don't expect to be In any other, I consequently never expect any office. Our Class is a large one- and it has two distinct cliques one of which naturally out numbers the the. I do not particularly admire the class personally but as a whole. It is one of the smartest In College- and by far the honor list. Next Saturday evening the Sophs are going to give us our party & the same evening the Juniors give the Seniors theirs. If nothing happens I Intend to wear my buff lawn and would very much like to have your blue Roman sash to wear with It - for I can't wear pink or red - & then you know you never do wear it your self so won't you send it to me just as soon as you get this letter- I have not heard you say anything about our trip for a long time I suppose of course we are going- Have you engaged your ticket for the Boston Jubilee it will be grand and I have set my heart upon going there- every so many of the girls are going from Vassar. If you have not your tickets you had best get them for they are going very fast. Sue Is going to take some friend home with her, and said she will be unable to go with us- I am very sorry for I should like her to be with us very much. From your affec- Daughter [Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75]
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Creator: Barus, Annie Howes
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1869

Creator: Barus, Annie Howes
Date: September 15, 1869
Text: Write me soon. Lizzie has had a letter. Sept. 15th 1869. Dear Edith I am in Vassar College and I will write you all about it Lizzie and I rode up in the carriage from Poughkeepsle in fear and trembling frightened at the examination. We were first taken into the parlor and from there into the examination rooms, the first examina- tion was in Grammar they asked questions as if they had been lately reading Kents questions for review but I passed through that and then went into another room to be...
Show moreWrite me soon. Lizzie has had a letter. Sept. 15th 1869. Dear Edith I am in Vassar College and I will write you all about it Lizzie and I rode up in the carriage from Poughkeepsle in fear and trembling frightened at the examination. We were first taken into the parlor and from there into the examination rooms, the first examina- tion was in Grammar they asked questions as if they had been lately reading Kents questions for review but I passed through that and then went into another room to be examined in Geography. The question name the mountain chains of tie Eastern Continent was generally missedbut I fortunately remembered. We had about 20 questions In each study except arithmetic, in that we had two pretty hard examples in fractions, but I finally got through perfect, and was then taken to the presidents room to see If you were accepted or not. He looked at my report and said I see you are a Boston girl and that you do great honor to your city as you are the only one that has been perfect today. We have very pleasant rooms our sleeping is No 11 6( ?) and is quite pleasant the furniture is all oak and our pictures and things so improve the looks of our room fiat I do not think mother would know it the sun shines in our parlor in the morning and bedroom in the afternoon but as we have no school room we spend most of our time in our parlor. We rise at 6 and have prayers at quater of 7 breakfast at 7 fix rooms at half past 7 silent time. 7.40 Morning study hours 9 A.M. to 12.40 P.M. Dinner 1.00 Play Hours 2 to 2.40 Afternoon Study Hours 2.45 .P.M. to 5.45 Tea 6.00 Evening Prayers 6.30 Evening Study Hour 8. to 9. Retiring 9.40 be in bed 10 So you see we are studying busy nearly all day studying 7 hours and 40 minutes. I have been examined in Algebra French and Latin in Algebra as we have not studied the Higher Algebra we will have to review for 3 or 4 months in French I told the teacher X preferred to commence, and in Latin I go on our other lessons have not yet been given us. We have two roomates so far the others have not yet come. One of them Fannie Allen came from Milwaukee sheis fifteen but you would think she was twenty she is quite stylish and pretty but she praises up everything of her own. she is great on saying we must have this and that in our room for instance a table-cloth, a lamp shade, sofa clock while Lizzie and I quietly pinch each other and say we are willing to have them if she will provide them. Our rooms are arranged the funniest on the front of the house are halls called corridors which open on the corrider and are not so light as those that open on the back of the building but we may possibly change our rooms for one that opens on the back and where there are two very pleasant girls with whom we are acquainted The meals are very nice 12 girls and a teacher have a table and a waiter and the food is cooked nicely I will write what we had today. Breakfast Tea coffee or milk. Beefsteak, pottatoes in milk Graham and White bread and splendid butter. Dinner fteast Tomato soup Roast Beef Mashed Pottatoe Beans Radishes Sponge Drops and Ice cream Tea Peaches with ice cream instead of cream Tea or milk Bread k Cake and it all tastes as if it had been eeeek cooked at home not likethe Poughkeepsie House. I left my napkin ring at home and I wish you would look and see if you can find a Robinson's University Algebra and If you can send it as soon as possible with the napkin ring, if we change rooms we will have to get a curtain to put between two rooms ask mother what would be the best kind of stuff to make it of. We cannot go down in the town at all while we are here we can send down by the teacher and buy what we need. The scholars are expecting to have their eatables sent them please remember mother.1 I think there must be a good many defacements on the girls dresses for they are trimmed a good deal some more and some less than ours.Ask father or mother if they remember on board the River boat a little girl with yellow hair down her back and blue sailors hat she is Sue Tain the daughter of George Francis Tain she has been admitted but has gone away for two or three weeks, she is the one that we once read about In a piece of poetry written by her father, •And Sue shall ride the wild papoose" I-ha am not homesick now but was some yesterday I never thought that I could miss home so much but I do Sept. 15, 1869 - 4 not make up such horrid laces as Willie said I would. There is one girl here that looks like Alice Brown so much so that JLisaie and I did not know at first but that Alice had come her name is Bonney Wallace. We know seven or eight girls most of them Western girls. Give my love to all the family and Willie and Don how is my bird give my love to Cornelia and see when she wants more seed They do not provide riding dresses so I shall have to have one made tell mother not to put it off till Christmas for she will have nothing to do but work Christmas day if she does. Lisnie is going to have somethings sent on and perhaps you can send mine with them. I have lots more to say but it is getting late Z do not think I shall be homesick any more This is to all Goodbye from your sister Annie (Mrs. Carl Barus)
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Creator: Bates (Glazier), Sarah
Date: March 17, 1870
Text: 636 N. Clark St.. Chicago, His. March 17, 1870. My Dear Belle, I am not so forgetful as to imagine that our old "serene" compact was on "St. Patrick's day in the morning," instead of "Good Friday Eve," but having a little leisure now which I may not have then and furthermore desiring to make you sure of my address, so that you shall have no excuse for cutting me in your old fashions - I deem it prudent to "take time by the forelock," and wo.'...
Show more636 N. Clark St.. Chicago, His. March 17, 1870. My Dear Belle, I am not so forgetful as to imagine that our old "serene" compact was on "St. Patrick's day in the morning," instead of "Good Friday Eve," but having a little leisure now which I may not have then and furthermore desiring to make you sure of my address, so that you shall have no excuse for cutting me in your old fashions - I deem it prudent to "take time by the forelock," and wo.' unto you, if you don't let me hear from you in good season. In the first place, I ought to apologise to you, for not writing after I reached Hfd., but if you knew the whirl I was in, you would forgive me. And after that, 1 had no idea where in this broad land you were, until a short time since I heard from your sister. I was in H., only three weeks, and did so much in that time, that, on the principle of reaction, I did not accomplish much of anything for some time afterward. That is, in the line of work, though of visiting I did a great amount. Louise and Mary W. Joined me about the middle of July. I had a "farewell party," and introduced them to my Hfd. friendsj then we "wrapped our mantles (!.e. waterproofs) about us," and departed for Helen Storkes' in Auburn, N.Y. where the hexagon minus Clara Glover (now Mrs. Gixm) gathered itself together, and enjoyed all delights for two weeks. Then to Detroit, where under the Warner's roof, twelve V.C. bachelors made merry, and then eclipse-ward. In Burlington Louise and July 2, 1868 - 2 I were with Nellie Gay, lour with Hattie Forte, and the others with Miss Mitchell at the hotel. The "7th" came, bright and beautiful, everything passed off to our hearts' content (except that 1 individually had the Mfever and ague," but collectively I was all right) and the next week all had vanished like the veriest air-castle, and I was left with Nellie. After a visit of two weeks 1 returned to Chicago, for a season with my old Hfd. friend, Mrs. Has kins, whom you may remember as Sarah Wolcott, your "cousin "Johny's" friend. I had not seen her since her marriage three years ago. And so after visiting her and other friends, I decided to pitch my tent for a while, and obtained a situation in one of the public schools, where I taught two weeks. Then a combination of circumstances brought it about that I decided to go to Northern Iowa with Father and Mother who were "out West" on a summer's trip, to return in Nov. to a new school then to open, only a block from my friend Mrs. Rogers, with whom I wished to stay. So seven weeks of what was expected to be "Indian Summer," but which you may remember as unmistakably wintry," I spent in Iowa, taking, during that time a trip to St. Paul, Minnehaha and all the Minn, wonders, returning on the Upper Mississippi, whose glorious "bluffs" were my utter delight, and thence to Milwaukee and another married Hfd. High School friend. — Since Nov. I have been trying to "bring up" about sixty young Chicagoans, a task which has occupied six hours a day. For the remainder of Mar. 17, 1870 - 3 my time 1 have had various projects, the most serious of which have been studying Anatomy with a physician, having in mind an entire Medical Course, and a future M.D. (not now likely) and more latterly, studying Astronomy with Prof. Ssfford of the Chicago University. I am doing a little at both, and cannot tell you certainly which will become my life work, though I mean to make one or the other by another year. My heart is in the latter, and I think the way is growing a little clearer} but I am interested in the former, and the way is broad open pecuniarily by an offer from my father. He is now in business in Chicago, a circum- stance not at all to my taste, since it will necessitate, if long continued in, the removal of the family from Hfd. - by next Fall probably, hi view of which circumstances, as well as some others, I am going East early in the season. I now intend to leave school at the spring vacation, Apr. 22 — if X then start immediately, I may very likely be at V.C. Founder's Day, and perhaps stay for a short time of study with Miss M. — You perceive how much I am living in the "conditional mood" just at present. In fact all winter things have been occurring to increase this state of things; my only consolation in which is that "e pluribus" I shall hope to decide upon "unum" which will bring order out of chaos. - During it all, I have been having a real time with my friends here; have made pleasant acquaintances and trust I have accomplished something in several ways. — If my home is Mar. 7, 1868 - 3 to be In Chicago, I shall "leave no stone unturned" to bring some of the hexagon out here. We expect to meet in Delaware next summer, and then 1 shall do execution. I cannot tell you news of many people we know, for X have heard little from them. Louise taught in Cinn. a few months, as substitute for her sister Alice, who took a trip to Cal. — but is now at home again. I hope you will write me a good long letter, all about yourself and whatever is interesting of the people I know in Aubumdale. Is Mr. Bidwell still at the Seminary. Please give very much love to Mother Treadwell. U you are going to pass through Hfd. this summer, I must have a visit from you. Perhaps it will be my last chance there. X live No. 20 Chapel St. With much love, Yours, Sarah Glazier. If you must vary from our anniversary, please write before.
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Creator: Bates (Glazier), Sarah
Date: April 18, 1867
Text: 636 N. Clark St.. Chicago, His. March 17, 1870. My Dear Belle, I am not so forgetful as to imagine that our old "serene" compact was on "St. Patrick's day in the morning," instead of "Good Friday Eve," but having a little leisure now which I may not have then and furthermore desiring to make you sure of my address, so that you shall have no excuse for cutting me in your old fashions - I deem it prudent to "take time by the forelock," and wo.'...
Show more636 N. Clark St.. Chicago, His. March 17, 1870. My Dear Belle, I am not so forgetful as to imagine that our old "serene" compact was on "St. Patrick's day in the morning," instead of "Good Friday Eve," but having a little leisure now which I may not have then and furthermore desiring to make you sure of my address, so that you shall have no excuse for cutting me in your old fashions - I deem it prudent to "take time by the forelock," and wo.' unto you, if you don't let me hear from you in good season. In the first place, I ought to apologise to you, for not writing after I reached Hfd., but if you knew the whirl I was in, you would forgive me. And after that, 1 had no idea where in this broad land you were, until a short time since I heard from your sister. I was in H., only three weeks, and did so much in that time, that, on the principle of reaction, I did not accomplish much of anything for some time afterward. That is, in the line of work, though of visiting I did a great amount. Louise and Mary W. Joined me about the middle of July. I had a "farewell party," and introduced them to my Hfd. friendsj then we "wrapped our mantles (!.e. waterproofs) about us," and departed for Helen Storkes' in Auburn, N.Y. where the hexagon minus Clara Glover (now Mrs. Gixm) gathered itself together, and enjoyed all delights for two weeks. Then to Detroit, where under the Warner's roof, twelve V.C. bachelors made merry, and then eclipse-ward. In Burlington Louise and July 2, 1868 - 2 I were with Nellie Gay, lour with Hattie Forte, and the others with Miss Mitchell at the hotel. The "7th" came, bright and beautiful, everything passed off to our hearts' content (except that 1 individually had the Mfever and ague," but collectively I was all right) and the next week all had vanished like the veriest air-castle, and I was left with Nellie. After a visit of two weeks 1 returned to Chicago, for a season with my old Hfd. friend, Mrs. Has kins, whom you may remember as Sarah Wolcott, your "cousin "Johny's" friend. I had not seen her since her marriage three years ago. And so after visiting her and other friends, I decided to pitch my tent for a while, and obtained a situation in one of the public schools, where I taught two weeks. Then a combination of circumstances brought it about that I decided to go to Northern Iowa with Father and Mother who were "out West" on a summer's trip, to return in Nov. to a new school then to open, only a block from my friend Mrs. Rogers, with whom I wished to stay. So seven weeks of what was expected to be "Indian Summer," but which you may remember as unmistakably wintry," I spent in Iowa, taking, during that time a trip to St. Paul, Minnehaha and all the Minn, wonders, returning on the Upper Mississippi, whose glorious "bluffs" were my utter delight, and thence to Milwaukee and another married Hfd. High School friend. — Since Nov. I have been trying to "bring up" about sixty young Chicagoans, a task which has occupied six hours a day. For the remainder of Mar. 17, 1870 - 3 my time 1 have had various projects, the most serious of which have been studying Anatomy with a physician, having in mind an entire Medical Course, and a future M.D. (not now likely) and more latterly, studying Astronomy with Prof. Ssfford of the Chicago University. I am doing a little at both, and cannot tell you certainly which will become my life work, though I mean to make one or the other by another year. My heart is in the latter, and I think the way is growing a little clearer} but I am interested in the former, and the way is broad open pecuniarily by an offer from my father. He is now in business in Chicago, a circum- stance not at all to my taste, since it will necessitate, if long continued in, the removal of the family from Hfd. - by next Fall probably, hi view of which circumstances, as well as some others, I am going East early in the season. I now intend to leave school at the spring vacation, Apr. 22 — if X then start immediately, I may very likely be at V.C. Founder's Day, and perhaps stay for a short time of study with Miss M. — You perceive how much I am living in the "conditional mood" just at present. In fact all winter things have been occurring to increase this state of things; my only consolation in which is that "e pluribus" I shall hope to decide upon "unum" which will bring order out of chaos. - During it all, I have been having a real time with my friends here; have made pleasant acquaintances and trust I have accomplished something in several ways. — If my home is Mar. 7, 1868 - 3 to be In Chicago, I shall "leave no stone unturned" to bring some of the hexagon out here. We expect to meet in Delaware next summer, and then 1 shall do execution. I cannot tell you news of many people we know, for X have heard little from them. Louise taught in Cinn. a few months, as substitute for her sister Alice, who took a trip to Cal. — but is now at home again. I hope you will write me a good long letter, all about yourself and whatever is interesting of the people I know in Aubumdale. Is Mr. Bidwell still at the Seminary. Please give very much love to Mother Treadwell. U you are going to pass through Hfd. this summer, I must have a visit from you. Perhaps it will be my last chance there. X live No. 20 Chapel St. With much love, Yours, Sarah Glazier. If you must vary from our anniversary, please write before.
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Creator: Bates (Glazier), Sarah
Date: December 12, 1867
Text: Vassar College. Poughkeepsie N.Y. Dec. 12, 1867. My Dear Belle. It is a shame — I can but acknowledge that, but yet it has not been without excuse, though I will not stop now to bring forward the hundred good reasons why we have neglected your welcome letter received in Oct., and your kind invitation of last week. As I have but a few moments to write, I will come directly to "the point" in answer to your last. It would be exceedingly pleasant to visit you at the vacation (in fact I...
Show moreVassar College. Poughkeepsie N.Y. Dec. 12, 1867. My Dear Belle. It is a shame — I can but acknowledge that, but yet it has not been without excuse, though I will not stop now to bring forward the hundred good reasons why we have neglected your welcome letter received in Oct., and your kind invitation of last week. As I have but a few moments to write, I will come directly to "the point" in answer to your last. It would be exceedingly pleasant to visit you at the vacation (in fact I think we have remarked a dozen times since receiving the invitation, "how nice it would be to see Belle") but I think it will be quite impossible for both of us to do so. It is even somewhat doubtful with respect to myself, as to going away from the college at all. I resolved to stay, in order to accomplish the extra work on hand, but am beginning to think I shall stay behind the others but a day or two. But Aubumdale must remain as a future happiness, Louise also will not find it practicable to make you a visit now, - so I'm afraid the "admiration society" will have to postpone its meeting. I shall surely write to you in vacation - a good long letter. Please excuse haste now, and receive many thanks, and very very* much love from Sarah Ik (Louise)
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